- May 2009
- Current Events
- Travel Tips
- Supplier News
- Regional
- International
- Government/Legislation
- Technology
- Industry Trends/Innovations
- Spotlight on Leisure Offers
- Supplier Spotlight
- Supplier Promotions
Technology
-
TSA moves forward with ‘whole body imaging’ security check
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses an umbrella term—whole body imaging—t o describe the technologies that enable it to detect prohibited items that may be concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact with the traveler. The TSA says the imaging is safe and voluntary for passengers and saves time at the checkpoint.
Whole body imaging is being used as primary screening for passengers at six of the nineteen airports across the nation using this technology. The TSA says the technology improves security and reduces the need for pat-down searches for passengers with medical conditions such as joint replacement and prosthetics—taking about 15 seconds as opposed to a two- to four-minute pat down.
The TSA says “privacy is ensured through the anonymity of the image…the security officer attending to the passenger never sees the image and the officer viewing the image is remotely located and never sees the passenger.” The officers communicate wirelessly to clear the passenger for travel. The TSA says the machines have zero storage capacity so that images cannot be stored, transmitted, or printed, and are deleted immediately once viewed; and that facial images are blurred.
The air-traveling public seems to be paying much more attention to whole body imaging since it has been made aware that it is becoming more commonplace and is to replace the metal detectors to which travelers have become accustomed.
Concerns about privacy are key. Instances of travelers not being aware that this imaging is being done—confusing it with the “air puff” testing being done at some airports—have been reported. Travelers report stepping into an area marked with “foot prints” in the security check areas and not knowing that they have just been “imaged.” Some travelers find this troublesome and consider it a violation of their privacy.
Travelers can visit the TSA Web site for detailed information about which airports are using this imaging technology and detailed descriptions of how it works, along with media stories about it.
Canadian airports have tested the scanners as well. The imaging technology was tested in 2008 at Kelowna International Airport in British Columbia. The Canadian Air Transportation Security Authority is considering installing the scanners in seven additional airports, although this is still subject to approval.
Sources: nytimes.com, tsa.gov, vancouversun.com
Data security tips for business travelers
Business professionals often travel with sensitive material, and data security can be of concern for travelers. Security checkpoints, delayed and cancelled flights, and separation from carry-on baggage can sometimes get in the way of keeping our items protected. Travelers can take certain precautions to ensure sensitive information remains private and secure.
- Be aware of the data classification level of the information on laptops or other portable work-related equipment (personal digital assistant [PDA], cell phone, etc).
- Whenever possible, send sensitive and classified information via secure facsimile, e-mail or postal service versus carrying it, as it involves less risk.
- Remove any unnecessary credit cards or documents from carry-on baggage that are not needed. Separate personal documents or portable media from laptops.
- Prior to flight, register valuables at the Customs Entrance and Clearance Desk at the airport before leaving the country.
- Risk levels vary from country to country and from time to time. Check the U.S. Department of State Web site and other current travel advisories regarding risks and local regulations in the destination country/ countries.
- Make copies of important documents (passport, air tickets, credit cards, etc.). In the event these items are lost, this will simplify the process of reporting and replacing them.
- Have laptop battery charged or the power cord handy. Laptops sometimes need to be opened and turned on for security personnel. Travelers may not be permitted to take them on board the aircraft if they can't be turned on.
- Consider using a checkpoint friendly laptop bag to better protect the laptop. This specially designed luggage will allow laptops to remain in bags for screening.
- Identify the computer with personal contact information as well as the serial number.
- Do not leave sensitive material (laptop, portable media, confidential documents, etc.) unattended. Lock equipment in the airport, car trunk, or hotel safe when necessary. Use hard, lockable luggage as well as TSA-approved locks.
- Do not discuss or work with sensitive information in a public place, including an airplane.
- Ensure the privacy of laptop on-screen data; other passengers may be able to view this confidential information. Consider using a blackout privacy screen that makes on-screen data visible only to persons directly in front of the monitor.
- Check to see if employer supports mandatory, annual security awareness training for employees.
- Report any suspicious activity or security incident during foreign travel to employer security office or to the appropriate government agency.
Sources: Business Travel Executive, United States Department of Agriculture, tsa.gov
