RE: A fun security experiment with the TSA

["Richard M. Smith" <rms () computerbytesman com>]

Airline employees tell me all of the time that I'm on the TSA's "list".
It's no big secret. I now must check-in with a human being at the main
ticket counter.  I no longer can do curb-side check-in or use the automated
machines. 

At the counter, I've also noticed lately that information from my drivers
license is being typed into the computer.  In the past, a counter person
would simply look at my license and give it back to me.

But how effective can a watch list system be when a name like "Richard
Smith" is in the database?

Richard

-----Original Message-----
From: funsec-bounces () linuxbox org [mailto:funsec-bounces () linuxbox org] On
Behalf Of Don Blumenthal
Sent: Friday, August 24, 2007 11:08 AM
To: funsec () linuxbox org
Subject: Re: [funsec] A fun security experiment with the TSA

On 8/24/07, rms () computerbytesman com <rms () computerbytesman com> wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I've been traveling a lot this summer and I have noticed that the TSA 
> is inspecting my checked bags about 50% of the time.  I know because 
> they leave a nice calling card in my bags each time they open them up.  
> I'm not sure what they are so interested in, but it might be related 
> to the fact that I'm on some sort of terrorist watch list.

Do you think that they would leave the card if you were on a terrorist list?

> I am kind of interested in what the TSA is doing with my bags in the 
> back room.  Does anyone have any suggestion for some kind of cheapo 
> video camera that I can place in my bag in order to catch all of the
action?

Interesting concept, although I can think of all sorts of logistical
problems with making it work. I'd also have to wonder if the batteries would
still be there on arrival, and if you wouldn't guarantee winding up on a
list if you tried it. Why not ask to see the handling room videos (most have
them for liability, management, and forensic reasons)? I'd love to see the
reaction to the request, but it never hurts....

Don

--
Don M. Blumenthal
Technology, Law, and Policy
dmblumenthal () gmail com
www.donblumenthal.com
734-997-0764        202-431-0874 (c)
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