terrorism

Did The TSA Stop A Terrorist Through ID Authentication?

On the 20th of September 2012 the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Transportation Committee on Homeland Security released a report entitled “Rebuilding TSA into a Smarter, Leaner Organization.”   Within the 59 page report on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Subcommittee covers a wide range of topics, some logically, some that sound good and…

TSA Technologies, Security Theater & Oversight Failures

For years I have actively avoided using the term “Security Theater” when discussing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).   Over the years I have torn the TSA apart as well as defended them, as the agency has good and bad, while most people just focus on the bad.   Today however, looking at technologies the TSA is…

TSA’s ‘Trusted Traveler’ – Are Its Flaws Insurmountable?

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Administrator John Pistole has recently announced plans to create and oversee a ‘Trusted Traveler‘ program. Under the TSA’s proposed ‘Trusted Traveler’ program airline passengers would be able to avoid Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, leave their shoes on and leave their laptops in their bags. The TSA’s proposed ‘Trusted Traveler’…

TSA To Ban Printer Cartridges Next Week : SD 1554-10-05

This coming Monday, the 8th of November,  the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to announce that it will prohibit airline passengers from flying with printer ink and toner cartridges, sized at 16oz by volume or larger. This will be Security Directive (SD) 1554-10-05. As of this evening, the TSA appears to be working on the…

Air Cargo Security Scares From Yemen, Shows Of Political Force & Real Potential Scenarios

As news unfolded earlier today that multiple packages with explosives made their way from Yemen to Dubai International Airport, in the UAE, and East Midland Airport, in the UK, air cargo security is once again moving to the forefront of the news. I won’t rehash the basics of this developing news story, what I will…