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Optosecurity solves the liquid explosives problem
Technology relies on standard 2D X-ray imaging; attached to legacy systems, Optoscreener XMS identifies threats by their molecular signatures; passengers place their plastic quart bags on the conveyor; system can even detect if a person is hiding liquids in their carry-on luggage
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DHS brings explosives detection pilot program to Seattle-Takoma
Previously at SFO, program is helping DHS work out the logistical kinks involved with air cargo explosives detection; sussing out human smuggling a priority as well, with officials looking to carbon dioxide emissions as a critical clue
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Canada issues proposed regulations for new airport security card
The Restricted Area Identity Card will be issued to 120,000 airport personel at twenty-nine Canadian airports; both fingerprint and iris scanning biometrics to be used; new regulations offer details about deployment, privacy, continuity, and record keeping procedures
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L-3 signs $40 million DHS deal for airport explosives detection
Industry leader will provide new eXaminer systems and provide updates to hardware and software for those already in use; multi-slice CT imaging technology continues to wow at home and abroad; control system manipulates conveyor belts for optimum scanning position
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Luggage loss rates increase 80 percent after liquid bomb plot
Restrictions on carry-on luggage caused a 20 percent increase in checked bags; high loss rates suggest infrastructure problems; no data available for post-25 September time period
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EU imposes new carry-on luggage rules
Mandatory across the European Union, the new restrictions are almost identical to those imposed in the United States; liter bags will be in great demand, as will 100ml bottles; new luggage size restrictions coming soon
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Raytheon unveils new UAV control cockpit
As a good portion of UAV crashes are the result of human error, Raytheon’s Universal Control System is designed with the operator’s need first and foremost in mind; wrap-around displays and ergonomic comfort prevail; system is multi-platform compatible and STANAG 4586 compliant
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EU considers "deep background checks" for Registered Traveler program
Responding to concerns about racial profiling, EU may instead develop a large-scale network linking criminal and civil data bases; a final report is not due until June, but in the meantime EU planners will move ahead with plans; privacy concerns remain an unsurmounted obstacle
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Graduate student arrested for exposing boarding pass vulnerability
Student Web site allowed users to print out their own boarding passes; stunt showed how a terrorist could print up a dummy pass to evade detection by No Fly List; no procedures exist to check ID card, boarding pass, and traveller identity simultaneously
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AD Aerospace to install cockpit monitoring for TUI AG
Small cameras survey the approach the cockpit while the flight crew watches securely from the cabin; AD Aerospace an innovator in airline camera surveillance
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Investigators expose Miami airport buddy punching system
Employees took time off and had others check them in and out of work; scheme shows weakness of single-factor authentication systems
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TSA again delays deadline for passenger-airplane cargo security measures
About 7,500 tons of cargo is transported each day in the U.S. on passenger planes;about 50,000 employees, agents, and shippers have unescorted access to that cargo; TSA wants these employees to undergo rigorous background and criminal checks, but the airline industry keeps failing to meet the agency’s deadlines
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The U.S. and Israel will deepen cooperation on civilian aircraft protection
Israel was the first victim of a systematic terror campaign against its aviation (by the PLO in the late 1960s), so it has learned a thing or two about protecting passenger aircraft; the U.S. and Israel will now collaborate more closely in such protective efforts
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DHS finds major staffing problems at TSA
Report notes inconsistent screener/administrator ratios; staffing decisions are being made without regard to the size of the airport; inspector general recommends adjustments and singles out Hawaii for special notice
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