securitytheater – SSL and internet security news

Thermal Imaging as Security Theater

May 28, 2020 infossl

covid19, epidemiology, falsenegatives, falsepositives, medicine, Security technology, securitytheater

Seems like thermal imaging is the security theater technology of today. These features are so tempting that thermal cameras are being installed at an increasing pace. They’re used in airports and other public transportation centers to screen travelers, increasingly used by companies to screen employees and by businesses to screen customers, and even used in … Read More “Thermal Imaging as Security Theater” »

TSA Admits Liquid Ban Is Security Theater

March 16, 2020 infossl

airtravel, medicine, Security technology, securitytheater, tsa

The TSA is allowing people to bring larger bottles of hand sanitizer with them on airplanes: Passengers will now be allowed to travel with containers of liquid hand sanitizer up to 12 ounces. However, the agency cautioned that the shift could mean slightly longer waits at checkpoint because the containers may have to be screened … Read More “TSA Admits Liquid Ban Is Security Theater” »

Don’t Fear the TSA Cutting Airport Security. Be Glad That They’re Talking about It.

August 10, 2018 infossl

airtravel, Security technology, securitytheater, terrorism, tsa

Last week, CNN reported that the Transportation Security Administration is considering eliminating security at U.S. airports that fly only smaller planes — 60 seats or fewer. Passengers connecting to larger planes would clear security at their destinations. To be clear, the TSA has put forth no concrete proposal. The internal agency working group’s report obtained … Read More “Don’t Fear the TSA Cutting Airport Security. Be Glad That They’re Talking about It.” »

Security Risks of TSA PreCheck

December 27, 2016 infossl

airtravel, intelligence, Security technology, securitytheater, terrorism, tsa

Former TSA Administrator Kip Hawley wrote an op-ed pointing out the security vulnerabilities in the TSA’s PreCheck program: The first vulnerability in the system is its enrollment process, which seeks to verify an applicant’s identity. We know verification is a challenge: A 2011 Government Accountability Office report on TSA’s system for checking airport workers’ identities … Read More “Security Risks of TSA PreCheck” »

Amtrak Security Awareness

September 22, 2016 infossl

Security technology, securityawareness, securitytheater, transportation

I like this Amtrak security awareness campaign. Especially the use of my term “security theater.” Powered by WPeMatico

David Cameron's Plan to Ban Encryption in the UK

January 13, 2015 infossl

cryptography, cryptowars, encryption, nationalsecuritypolicy, Security technology, securitytheater, terrorism, uk

In the wake of the Paris terrorist shootings, David Cameron has said that he wants to ban encryption in the UK. Here’s the quote: “If I am prime minister I will make sure that it is a comprehensive piece of legislation that does not allow terrorists safe space to communicate with each other.” This is … Read More “David Cameron's Plan to Ban Encryption in the UK” »

Testing for Explosives in the Chicago Subway

November 7, 2014 infossl

bombs, searches, Security technology, securitytheater, warontheunexpected

Chicago is doing random explosives screenings at random L stops in the Chicago area. Compliance is voluntary: Police made no arrests but one rider refused to submit to the screening and left the station without incident, Maloney said. […] Passengers can decline the screening, but will not be allowed to board a train at that … Read More “Testing for Explosives in the Chicago Subway” »