Covert testing finds widespread flaws in TSA screening
Undercover officers from Homeland Security have found major security flaws in TSA screening after reportedly getting through checkpoints with mock explosives or weapons 95% of the time in recent tests.
A DHS inspector general’s office report said DHS Red Teams posing as passengers, managed to get through screening with potentially dangerous weapons in 67 out of 70 attempts.
Red Team tests take place at airport nationwide on a regular basis to "push the boundaries of our people, processes, and technology," the department says.
"Upon learning the initial findings of the Office of Inspector General’s report, Secretary Johnson immediately directed TSA to implement a series of actions, several of which are now in place, to address the issues raised in the report," the DHS told ABC News.
Red Team agents have been successful in bypassing security checkpoints on a number of occasions and were once described as ‘super terrorists’ by ex-TSA administrator John Pistole, due to their ability to exploit TSA screening weaknesses.
"We know that the adversary innovates and we have to push ourselves to capacity in order to remain one step ahead. Testers often make these covert tests as difficult as possible," the TSA said on its website in 2013.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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