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Read this paper as well https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/usenixsecurity14/sec14-paper-mowery.pdf https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/us
by zkms 9y ago
Read this paper as well https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/usenixsecurity14/sec14-paper-mowery.pdf https://www.usenix.org/system/files/conference/usenixsecurit... -- the researchers who wrote it obtained (on the surplus market) the same model of backscatter X-ray body scanner that was deployed in US airports and proceeded to evaluate and validate various schemes for undetectable concealment of firearms, knives, and explosives. Other research was done, including a software implant that would selectively strip indications of contraband from the image (when a specific signal pattern was in the image), and a firmware implant that would disable all interlocks and deliver an elevated radiation dose. If it is possible for a few university researchers to obtain this sort of security scanner without resorting to crimes, it is folly to assume that actual adversaries cannot.
We need better methods for detecting energetic materials (and not just suspicious shapes) in luggage (detecting it concealed inside humans is harder and would require transmission x-ray which is not currently acceptable for airport security screening) that don't crumble when the adversary has unlimited access to the security scanner to test concealment methods.
Concealing knives is kinda easier than concealing energetic materials -- it is, for example, possible to machine a blade that fits perfectly inside a blunt, innocuous "sheath" so precisely (hi, wire EDM) that they appear as a single piece of metal. However, this is not so much of an issue nowadays, as no amount of threatening or stabbing with a knife will make a pilot open the cockpit door.
- astrodust 9y agoCeramic, glass and plastic knives can be extremely dangerous and yet they probably don't show up on these machines at all. The utility of these machines is questionable to say the least. Bruce Schneier observed, like you did, that the heavily secured cockpit door is one of the only real improvements made to airplane security in the last few decades.
- knodi123 9y ago> and yet they probably don't show up on these machines at all Uh, yeah, they do. Have read anything about backscatter xray machines? The real way to defeat these machines is to hide things in folds of your flesh. It can see through clothes, but not too much skin. In staged demonstrations, fat people have gotten a metal pistol through, no problem.
- astrodust 9y agoI've read a fair bit about these machines and seen various demonstrations back when they were still being deployed. Quick examples: https://www.wired.com/2014/08/study-shows-how-easily-weapons-can-be-smuggled-past-tsas-x-ray-body-scanners/ https://www.wired.com/2014/08/study-shows-how-easily-weapons... A gun(!) is basically invisible in the scan. Is teflon tape enough to defeat these stupid machines?
- zkms 9y ago> Ceramic, glass and plastic knives can be extremely dangerous Yes, but not more so on aircraft. Passengers (who tend to not want to die in a suicide hijacking) will fight for their lives against hijackers who use knives. Sometimes the attempted hijackers die from the injuries sustained by the passengers fighting back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin_Airlines_Flight_7554 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tianjin_Airlines_Flight_7554 I really don't worry about knives on airplanes, what's scary is energetic materials (explosives or gunpowder) or someone tampering with electrical/avionics equipment.