1

Threat Assessment

Threat Assessment Report

Southern New Hampshire University
Threat Assessment 17TW1
James L. McLamb
November 5, 2017
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Threat Assessment

Introduction

Threat assessment, a structured group process used to evaluate the risk posed by a threat

or a person; typically, as a response to an actual or perceived threat or concerned behavior (K12,

2015). The threat assessment of the critical infrastructure of Logan International Airport provides

information pertaining to the assets identification, threat identification, vulnerability

identification and assessment, consequences and criticality, and finalized with countermeasures

and recommendations. This project is directed at collecting and developing information that

leads to a successful assessment of all assets within Logan International Airport and the focus on

analyzing different threat actors and potential consequences; while providing detailed

information on evidence-driven and threat-assessment solutions.

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Threat Assessment

Table of Contents
1) Title Page………… Page 1

2) Introduction ………… Page 2

3) Table of Contents………… Page 3

4) Executive Summary………… Page 4

5) Asset Identification………… Page 5

6) Threat Identification………… Page 9

7) Vulnerability Identification & Assessment………… Page 12

8) Consequence and Criticality………… Page 17

9) Countermeasures & Recommendations………… Page 20

10) Threat Assessment Partnerships…………Page 24

11) Appendix………… Page 27

12) References………… Page 31

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Executive Summary

Attached
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I. Asset Identification
Name: Logan International Airport (BOS)
Address: 1 Harborside Drive
City: Boston
County: Suffolk County
State: Massachusetts
Sector: Transportation Systems Sector
Agency Responsible: U.S Department of
Transportation

BOS Overview:
Logan International Airport (BOS), lies within the Transportation Systems Subsector of

Aviation. BOS is the primary airport that serves new England and operates within four passenger

terminals; terminals A, B, C, and E. These four terminals are self-contained with 94 gates that

avow passengers to board more than 40

airliners with non-stop flights to more

than 100 domestic and international

destinations. According to the Patriot

Act of 2001, a critical infrastructure is

defined as “Systems and assets, whether

physical or virtual, so vital to the United States that the incapacity or destruction of such systems

and assets would have a debilitating impact on security, national economic security, national

public health or safety, or any combination of those matters” (DHS, 2017). BOS meets this

standard and considered a critical infrastructure due to its mass-liability of international and
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Threat Assessment
domestic travel; being responsible for the safeguarding of American citizens and the

incapacitation of this infrastructure would potentially cause an imminent threat to the physical

and economic security of the United States and its people. (McLamb, 2017, p.2)

Critical Infrastructure Sector-Specific Overview:

Within the Department of Homeland Securities critical infrastructures, there are 16

critical infrastructures whose networks, assets, and systems, are considered so vital and

important to the United States that their potential incapacitation would have a debilitating effect

on security, national economy, and national public health (DHS, 2017). The Transportation

Systems Sector consists of 7 subsectors or modes; these modes are Aviation, Highway and

Motor Carrier, Maritime Transportation Systems, Mass Transit and Passenger Rail, Pipeline

Systems, Freight Rail, and Postal and Shipping. Within the Transportation Systems Sector-

Specific Plan in 2015, the Department of Transportation lays out four specific goals. These goals

are to include:

(1) Manage the security risks to the physical, human, and cyber elements of critical

transportation infrastructure, (2) Employ the sector’s response, recovery, and

coordination capabilities to support whole community resilience, (3) Implement

processes for effective collaboration to share mission-essential information across

sectors, jurisdictions, and disciplines, as well as between public and private

stakeholders, and (4) Enhance the all-hazards preparedness and resilience of the

global transportation system to safeguard U.S. national interests (USDOT, 2015).

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Threat Assessment

While these may be the goals of the sector-specific plan, the mission:

“is to provide a secure and resilient transportation system, enabling legitimate travelers and

goods to move without significant disruption of commerce, undue fear of harm, or loss of civil

liberties” (USDOT, 2015). (McLamb, 2017, p. 4)

While maintaining their focus of the organizations mission to continuously improve the

security and resilience posture of the Nation’s transportation systems in order to ensure the safety

and security of travelers and goods (USDOT, 2015). This sector has specific risks that may affect

its overall infrastructure such as natural disasters, manmade and physical threats as terrorism,

and aging infrastructure.

1. Natural disasters are to include (1) global climate change, (2) earthquakes, (3)

wildfires, (4) flooding, (5) blizzards, (6) hurricanes, (7) tornadoes, and (8) droughts

2. Terrorism can pertain to physical or cyber-attacks that can significantly disrupt vital

transportation services and cause long-term sociological and economic consequences

(USDOT, 2015)

3. Aging Infrastructure threatens most of the nation’s transportation infrastructure due

to its advanced aging and deterioration. This deteriorating infrastructure threatens the

resilience of the transportation systems and can enhance the risks by other natural

disasters or physical threats such as terrorism.

Key Sector Partners and Factors:

Key factors and partners associated with the Logan International Airport and the

transportation sector include individuals, groups, and any organization that have
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Threat Assessment
direct responsibility for the safety and security of the airports assets, systems, and

networks.

Key partners associated with Logan International Airport are but not limited to:

(1) Airliner companies

(2) Private-sector security organizations

(3) Federal agencies as the NTSB (National Transportation Safety Board)

(4) Investors both internally and externally

(5) The U.S Department of Transportation

(6) U.S Department of Homeland Security

(7) Aviation and Aerospace Industry

(8) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Much like associated partners, Sector Assets are but not limited to:

(1) Pilot Programs

(2) Infrastructure Maintenance

(3) Location Hierarchy

(4) Airliners and airline assets (planes & crews)

(5) Airline passengers

(McLamb, 2017, p. 4-5)

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Threat Assessment

II. Threat Assessment

Threat Related Data:
From 2001 to 2016, there have been a total of reported (9) terror attempts involving the

transportation aviation-sector. These attempts have been directly affiliated with the following

terror organizations;

I. Al-Qaeda
II. Anti-Israeli Extremists
III. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
IV. Other (unknown affiliations)
While the attacks have been conducted by many different means of weaponry such as:
I. Chemical (1)
II. Explosives (2)
III. Firearms (3)
IV. Incendiary (5)
V. Melee (6)
VI. Vehicles (4)
With designated targets of:
I. Airports and Aircraft
II. Military Airports
III. Private Airports/Citizens

BOS History of Attacks

Within the historical aspect of Logan International Airport pertaining to terror attacks, the

information and attacks have been limited to none. However, there has been a recent attack

involving a tax-driver striking a crowd of people and information leading government officials to
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Threat Assessment
believe potential terrorist affiliated travelers conducting travel through Logan International

Airport. An example of this would be the terrorists that used Logan International Airport during

the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Domestic Threats and Annual Crime:

While Al-Qaeda and ISIL pose immediate threats to the United States, these two Islamic

terror organizations pose the greatest overall threat to the transportation-systems sector;

especially Logan International Airport. The increase of homegrown radicalized Americans and

the increase of travel from those radicalized Americans to the MENA and Middle East regions

have vastly increased the current domestic threat as they have easy access to and from the United

States.

Statistics that have been provided by the

Department of State Annex of Statistical

Information (2015) states that there have been (23)

terror attacks within the aviation division in 2015;

nearly 50% of those attacks being fatalities world-

wide. Relating to attacks within Logan

International Airport, there have been no reported

cyber-attacks on the infrastructures networks.

(McLamb, 2017, p.10)

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Threat Assessment
Capabilities, Motivations, Tactics:

When it comes to what drives Islamic terror organizations, there are many different

variables. These motivations can be sought towards (1) religious, (2) military, (3) personal, and

(4) political. Groups such as Al-Qaeda and ISIL have massive capabilities regarding

international travel and military-style leaders, tactics, and training. Through world-wide

radicalization and the distribution of online propaganda, Al-Qaeda, ISIL, and many different

terror organizations can recruit soldiers from all around the world who have different

experiences and knowledge of military tactics and training.

Threat level estimated at a risk rating of (7).

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Threat Assessment

III. Vulnerability Identification

Mission: Provide the United States with both

domestic and international travel; while
safeguarding the American people.
Coordinates: 42°21′47″N 071°00′23″W
Physical Attributes: Covers 2,384 acres
with six runways
Employees: 16,000

Within Logan International Airport, there are four terminals; terminals A, B, C, and E. Within

these terminals, the airport contains other key assets that aid in the airports functionality and

success of this aviation division. The main assets

that hold great importance to the success of the

airport are the airliners, passengers, cargo storing

facilities, ground transportation, employees, and

hotels. The airport also contains six runways; these

runways are 4R/22R, 4R/22L, 9/27, 14/32,

15L/33R, 15R/33L. These six runways are

responsible for connecting flights through over fifty different airline services. This airport serves

as New England’s primary source for domestic and international travel by providing more than
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Threat Assessment
33.5 million passengers with services to and from the United States (MASSPORT, 2017).

(McLamb, 2017, p.2)

Logan International Airport is located within East Boston, Massachusetts. East Boston

contains approximately 40,000 residents. Logan borders Winthrop, Revere, and Chelsea Creek.

Across the harbor from Logan airport sits Boston’s financial district; being connected through

various services of ground transportation. Within a two-mile radius of the airport lies critical

infrastructures within the commercial facilities sector, communications sector, emergency

services sector, financial services sector, government facilities sector, healthcare and public

health sector, and other subsectors within the transportation systems sector.

The networking operations within Logan International Airport is a key asset to the

functionality and success of the airport. Key assets pertaining to the functional operating

elements are the employees, organizational administration, TSA and security forces, airline pilots

and crew members, internal and external stakeholders, customers, and passengers. Each variable

must be identified and considered within the vulnerability identification process that leads to the

vulnerability assessment, within the threat identification and assessment process.

Logan International Airport provides services to millions of passengers a year, each day is

critically analyzed and recorded. In August of 2017, and the most recent statistics provided by

MassPort, the stastics pertaining to flights, passengers, and cargo & mail are as follows:

Flights: Domestic = 30,179 / International = 4,976

Total Flights = 38,475
Passenger: Domestic = 2,973,507 / International = 772,812
Total Passengers = 3,757,903
Cargo & Mail: Domestic = 2,472,118 / International = 0
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Threat Assessment
Freight = 26,915,768 / Express = 31,089,353
Total = 58,774,121
(MassPort, 2017)
By August of 2017, there has been a reported 28,783,047 passengers traveling through

Logan International Airport; in addition to the already 16,000 employees working within the

infrastructure on a daily basis. (Massport, 2017)

(McLamb, 2017, p. 3-4)

Within a critical infrastructures assessment, being able to effectively identify

valuable assets is important. Logan International Airport, being the primary source for domestic

and international travel within New England, the most valuable assets within the infrastructure

are the passengers, airlines, terminals, and runways. Without these important assets, or if a threat

actor was to incapacitate these assets, it would be detrimental to the local and nation’s economy.

Large amounts of proprietary information may also be accessed by a foreign entity during a

cyber-attack or general “hacking”. This type of information may potentially lead to the discovery

and theft of passenger information, personal information, tacking and networking information of

airliners, travel plans, and information provided to the FAA.

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Threat Assessment

Overviews of Terminals A, B, C, and E above

Terror Group: The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant

(ISIL).
Motivation/Ideology: Proto-state, Salafi or Wahhabi
group; Muslim brotherhood.
Tactics: Bombings, shootings, stabbings, violent attacks,
cyber-warfare,
Capabilities: Modern warfare capabilities, international
travel, economic/financial stability, power in numbers,
technological advances, and control over various
territories.
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Threat Assessment
Within the past decade, the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant has drastically increased

their size, territorial power, and capabilities since their original discovery and beginning in 1999.

The Islamic terror groups motivations and tactics are to cause mass casualty throughout the

world and spread their violent ideologies and beliefs. While Logan International Airport is

located near a business district and has thousands of people going through its doors every day,

this infrastructure contains the perfect opportunity for a group such as ISIL to commit a violent

attack. Not only does Logan airport contain key assets that a terror group looks for when

conducting terror attacks, it also

provides international and domestic

travel for the group. Since the

group relies heavily on the

transportation-systems sector for

travel to and within the United

States, it is important to identify the key locations where Logan International Airport provides

transportation to within the MENA and Middle East regions. Providing international travel to

and from these locations put the airport at a large risk and poses a great threat for those affiliated

with terrorist organizations to use the airport for travel purposes. (McLamb, 2017, 5-6)

The vulnerability level of the aviation sector would be placed at a risk level of “8”. This

meaning the critical infrastructures subsector of the aviation mode is placed at a risk level of

“High”. This risk assessment is justified based off of the international capabilities and

clandestine travel by the terror group, ISIL. In determining this rating, all assets and

vulnerabilities of those assets must be analyzed thoroughly in order to determine which key asset

poses the greatest threat. Providing international travel to and from the United States while
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Threat Assessment
accommodating airlines that have hubs within the MENA and Middle East regions pose an

imminent threat to Logan International Airport as terror groups can use this transportation sector

to travel internationally and commit violent attacks (McLamb, 2017, p. 6)

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Threat Assessment

IV. Consequence and Criticality

Criticality Assessment:

Within New England there are approximately ten major airports that provide the

region with domestic and some international travel. However, Logan International Airport

(BOS), is the primary source for domestic and international travel to all within the region. Logan

International Airport is one of the nation’s busiest airports that contains four passengers and 94

gates that provide more than 40 airlines with non-stop domestic and international travel to over

100 destinations (MassPort, 2017). Having such a large destination pattern, it is evident that the

use of this airport is pertinent to the region’s economic and socioeconomic stability. The

transportation of goods, services, and people through this airport is valuable to not only the

immediate region, but the United States, as this airport is one of the main-ports of transportation

of goods, people, and services to-and-from the United States. Logan International Airport is a

success-way for local, and regional travelers. While providing immediate transportation

opportunities for domestic and international passengers; as it maintains an effective aid in the

safeguarding of the American people and the region’s economic stability. According to the 2016

Massachusetts Port Authority Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Logan International

Airport generated $586.5 million in revenue, proving its worth and importance to the region’s

economic stability. Logan also provided 3.7 million passengers with flights to domestic and

international destinations (Massport, 2017). (McLamb, 2017, p. 2)

The Massachusetts Port Authority yearly statistics report in 2017 provided information

that 2.9 million passengers used Logan International Airport for domestic destinations, while 2.4

million domestic destinations were used for the transportation of cargo (Massport, 2017). After
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Threat Assessment
reviewing these statistics, it is evident that Logan International Airport plays a large role in the

transportation of services, people, and goods. Logan’s tight security and current risk assessment

also provides the nation with a sense of safety and aids in the current National Security Strategy

of reinforcing homeland security and strengthening our national defense (White House, 2015).

(McLamb, 2017, p.3)

Depending on the threat actor, the level of damage to this infrastructure could be either

minimal or extensive. With the current threat of physical harm by many different threat actors

such as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), Al-Qaeda, and Al-Shabaab, the level of

damage may be uncertain. However, with the information that can be collected through previous

attacks, it is certain that this infrastructure can develop a comprehensive risk assessment that can

determine the potential impact of a threat. As it stands, Logan International Airport employs

approximately 16,000 employees, operates within a 2,400-acre area, and contains over 40

different airliners. These physical attributes must be taken into consideration when looking at the

potential damage that can be done. While approximately 1,000 passengers travel through Logan

each day, there is a massive risk for a mass-casualty event. By using different methods relating to

attack type and weaponry used, a threat actor could potentially cause hundreds-to-thousands of

deaths in one attack and incapacitate more than half of the infrastructure with different weaponry

such as explosives, firearms, and possibly even chemical attacks. Each attack would produce

different statistical data correlating with the number of casualties and infrastructure damage.

(McLamb, 2017, p.4)

Risk = Threat x Vulnerability x Consequence

T = 9, V =8, C = 7
T (9) x V (8) x C (7) = R (504)
“Moderate” or “Medium” Risk
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Threat Assessment
This risk assessment score places the critical infrastructure at a moderate or medium risk;
meaning Logan International Airport could potentially suffer adverse consequences of an attack
of posed threat.
An attack on this critical infrastructure would not only cause an immediate effect on passengers,

goods, and the transportation of services, it would cause an immediate financial constraint on the

infrastructure and region wherein.

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Threat Assessment

V. Countermeasures and Recommendations

Physical Security:

Within the physical security at Logan International Airport, it is crucial that the

countermeasures developed effectively reduce the infrastructure vulnerability to a physical

attack. Since the attacks of September 11, 2001, Logan International Airport has increased their

physical security and checkpoint strategies to assure the highest of quality in their physical

security. The airport must first develop information leading to the identification of threat

variables in order to effectively identify weaknesses. By identifying such weaknesses, the airport

can then develop an effective comprehensive plan to increase the physical security. Increasing

the number of trained physical security specialists and train them in threat-detection and threat-

analysis, the overall security and safety of the airport will increase. An overall SWOT analysis of

the infrastructures physical security will also aid in the identification of weaknesses.

Cyber/Network Security:

Even though there has not been a large threat pertaining to cyber or network attacks

within Logan International Airports network, maintaining a strong cyber-security network is

pertinent to the overall security of the infrastructure. Within the network, there is a vast amount

of personal information of employees and customers, flight information, and critical security

plans. By identifying weaknesses within the cyber-network will avow the airport to increase their

network security in order to prevent threat actors from gaining access to the network. Also,

increasing their technology within the network is important as technology continues to increase

and become more advanced.

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Threat Assessment
Personnel Security:

Personnel security is a key factor to improving the infrastructures safety and stability.

Personnel security specialists can improve the overall security of the region and safeguard key

assets within the infrastructure. Conducting a SWOT analysis of the airports personnel security

plan can identifying weaknesses within the overall security and safety plan. Focusing on the

collection and use of personnel security specialist can allow the airport to collect information to

develop other security strategies and other countermeasures. Increasing the personnel security

presence within the infrastructure will not only deter a threat or threat actor from committing a

threat, but the airport can use these personnel security specialists in identifying suspicious

activity and potential threats.

Synopsis of Components:

Using physical security, cyber-security, and personnel security as key countermeasures

within the critical infrastructures main security strategy will deter threat actors from committing

attacks, if used effectively. Effectively training all involved within the security strategy in the

detection and prevention of violent and cyber-attacks will increase the overall safety of all

passengers, employees, and the American people. If security specialists can detect and attack

early, the chances of preventing the specified attack are higher; while protecting the

infrastructures key assets and potentially identifying weaknesses within the infrastructure

security strategy. Not only will implementing these countermeasures protect all key assets and

saving human lives, these countermeasures will aid in the protection of the infrastructure and

regions economic stability as well (McLamb, 2017, p. 6). (McLamb, 2017, p. 6)

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Threat Assessment

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED)

High-Tech Elements:

Explosive Detection
Systems

CCTV (Closed Circuit

Television)

Low-Tech Elements:
Locks
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Threat Assessment
Security Signs

No-Tech Elements
Security Posts

Staff Training
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VI. Threat Assessment Partnerships

Below is a list of key partnerships between local, state, federal, and private-sector agencies
that Logan International Airport will work collectively with during the threat assessment
process:
(1) The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is responsible for supporting

citizens and first responders during major emergency incidents. FEMA aids in the logistic

development of emergency services and supports the Department of Homeland Securities

national security plan. FEMA also supports countermeasure development, threat and

emergency mitigation, and identifies all assets that need aid and support. (McLamb,

2017, p.2).

(2) The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is a federal agency that is

responsible for investigation civil aviation accidents within the United States and any

other significant accidents in other modes or divisions in transportation. The NTSB also

supports other organizations by coordinating resources to provide assistance to victims

and their family members that have been impacted by major transportation disasters

(NTSB, 2017). The NTSB supports the aviation division during critical infrastructure

emergencies by aiding in the countermeasures process, asset identification, threat

analysis, and mitigation of threats and attacks (McLamb, 2017, p.).2

(3) The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) is a federal intelligence-driven and threat-

focused national security organization with both intelligence and law enforcement

responsibilities that protect the United States from terrorism, espionage, cyber-attacks,

and major criminal threats (FBI, 2010). The FBI would support the aviation subsector

and Logan International Airport during the threat assessment process through asset

identification, threat analysis, vulnerability identification, and mitigation through

investigated procedures (McLamb, 2017, p.3).

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Threat Assessment
(4) Boston Police Department is a local law enforcement agency that would aid in the

mitigation process during an attack at Logan International Airport. Boston Police would

respond and coordinate with other federal and state agencies to develop response plans

and aid in the reduction of casualties and support on-going investigations while ensuring

infrastructure security (McLamb, 2017, p.3).

(5) Department of Homeland Security is another federal agency that would aid in asset

identification, mitigation, threat identification and analysis, risk assessment, and

countermeasure process. The Department of Homeland Security aids in preventing

terrorism and enhancing security to safeguard the American people. The Department of

Homeland Security responds and aids in the investigation and mitigation process of large-

scale threats and terror attacks within the United States (McLamb, 2017, p.4).

(6) The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is yet again another federal agency that supports

the Director of National Intelligence with collecting intelligence, performing national

security functions, correlating and evaluating intelligence, and supporting other federal

agencies during national terror attacks or large-scale events. The CIA would support all

other agencies within the mitigation process, asset identification, vulnerability

assessment, and countermeasure development pertaining to a terror attack within Logan

International Airport. If an attack is presented as a terrorist event, the CIA would

coordinate with other federal, local, and state agencies to assist in the intelligence

collection process and evidence-driven solution development (McLamb, 2017, p.5).

(7) The FAA or Federal Aviation Administration focuses on a mission of providing the

safest and most efficient aerospace system in the world (FAA, 2017). The FAA would aid

Logan International Airport with security and threat identification, along with
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Threat Assessment
vulnerability identification. The FAA focuses on the nations aerospace industry and

focuses on making our nations aviation system safer through mitigating threats and

identifying potential threat actors. This agency would be used during the mitigation and

risk assessment process of an attack on Logan International Airport (McLamb, 2017,

p.5).

(8) The American National Red Cross is a private-sector resource that would aid critical

infrastructure during a large-scale attack in the mitigation process. This resource would

aid victims and first responders in donating blood, fundraising operations, insurance

protection, and other medical assistance (McLamb, 2017, p.5).

(9) U.S Customs and Border Protection is a federal law enforcement agency that focuses

on safeguarding the American people and serves as the nation’s premier law enforcement

agency (CBP, 2017). This agency would aid in the threat assessment process by working

with other state, local, and federal agencies to identify threats, locate threats, develop

evidence-driven solutions, support investigations, work with Logan International Airport

in the mitigation process, and identify potential threats; while providing national security

through U.S customs (McLamb, 2017, p. 4)

(10) Department of Defense (DOD); this agency focuses on national security and responds

to large-scale terror attacks or any situation that may potentially affect national security.

Within the transportation-systems aviation division, the Department of Defense would focus

on the mitigation process and threat identification. The DOD, through military assets, would

respond with potential defense techniques and focus its operations on evidence-driven

intelligence. If an attack were to occur within Logan International Airport, the Department of

Defense may aid in the investigation and reaction place process (McLamb, 2017, p. 5)
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Appendix

Threat Assessment

THREAT FACTORS Threat Motivation WMD Categories

Level
P = Political C = Chemical
PTE Existence Violent Intention WMD Targeting (1–10)
R = Religious B = Biological
History s Capability
(1) (4)
(1) (2) (2) E = Environmental R = Radiological

Ra = Racial N = Nuclear

S = Special Interest E = Explosive

(Choose one or more) (Choose one or more)

1 2 1 2 0 4 9 P,S C,E

Vulnerability Assesment

Column A: Factor Column B: Column C: Explanation

Rating
0 = no risk

5=
maximum
risk

1. Level of visibility Risk Rating Logan international Airport (BOS) is located within Boston Massachusetts.
=5 Being the primary source of domestic and international travel for New
England and one of the largest airports within the United States. The level
of visibility risk was placed at (5) due to the large population that surrounds
the airport and the number of other critical infrastructures that are present
within the city of Boston. Boston, also being one of the larger cities within
the United States. Logan International Airport is not only known to New
England, but its existence is nationally recognized; leading to a risk rating of
(5).
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Threat Assessment

2. Criticality of the Risk Rating Being located within Boston, there are many different governmental
target to the =4 assets, local assets, and a large population within the immediate area.
jurisdiction Meaning the functionality of the airport is deemed critical while having
those other assets also being so closed to the infrastructure.

3. Potential population Risk Rating Even though Logan International Airport is a large infrastructure and is
capacity =2 responsible for the transportation of thousands and thousands of domestic
and international travelers, the airport capacity would not exceed over
5,000 at one time. Leading the risk rating to be labeled as low.

4. Potential for Risk Rating Even though the capacity may not exceed 5,000 at one time, there is a
collateral mass =4 large number of domestic and international travelers within the airport at
casualties one time. Meaning there are substantial numbers of people congregating
within one specific area inside the airport. Also, having the airport located
within the city of Boston that is estimated to contain approximately
600,000 people, the potential for collateral mass casualties must be
labeled as high.

5. Impact outside of Risk Rating The economic and environmental impact of the incapacitation of the Logan
the jurisdiction =4 International Airport would be detrimental. Being so close to large
infrastructures and close to the ocean (environmental), along with being a
large infrastructure that is worth millions of dollars, transporting goods and
people both domestically and internationally, assess the criticality risk
being at a high level.

6. Existence of Risk Rating Due to the fact there is not existing Weapons of Mass Destruction within
weapons of mass =0 this specified critical infrastructure, the risk rating was placed a “0”,
destruction meaning no risk.

7. The potential threat Risk Rating Being an airport, there is a fair level of access throughout the
element’s level of =3 infrastructure. However, there is a level of security that one must pass
access to the target through in order to gain access to the main aviation gates and rest of the
airport. With this being said, the level of “medium” security within the
Logan International Airport places the level of access risk at a “medium”
threat level.

Raw Score: Add up ratings for factors 1–7 and enter the total in box A on the right. A. 22

Man-made (Terrorist) Vulnerability Assessment Rating: Convert the raw score to a rating B. 8
using the key on the bottom of p. 79 of your textbook. Enter this number in box B on the right.
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Threat Assessment

You will use this number as the vulnerability assessment value in the risk assessment
calculation in the Module Six Worksheet.

Risk Assessment
Definitions:
 Threat: The likelihood that a particular asset, system, or network will sustain an attack or
an incident;
 Vulnerability: The likelihood that a characteristic of or flaw in an asset, system, or
network’s design, location, security posture, process, or operation renders it susceptible
to destruction, incapacitation, or exploitation by terrorist or other intentional acts;
 Consequence: The negative effects on public health and safety, the economy, public
confidence in institutions, and the functioning of government, both direct and indirect,
that can be expected if an asset, system, or network is damaged, destroyed, or disrupted
by a terrorist attack (Allen & Derr, 2015, p. 103).
Risk Calculation Formula: R = T x V x C
Logan International Risk Formula Calculation:
T = 9, V = 8, C = 7
T(9) x V(8) x C(7) = 504
504 = Moderate Risk
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Threat Assessment

References
Allen, G., & Derr, R. (2015). Threat assessment and risk analysis: An applied approach.
Boston, MA: Elsevier Science.
Department of Homeland Security. (2017). What Is Critical Infrastructure? Retrieved
October 08, 2017, from https://www.dhs.gov/what-critical-infrastructure
MassPort. (2017). About Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). Retrieved October
22, 2017, from http://www.massport.com/logan-airport/about-logan/
Massachusetts Port Authority. (2016). Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (Rep.).
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