Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said recently that he is considering a ban on passengers carrying laptop computers on all international flights in and out of the United States. DHS is exploring the expansion of passenger screening at airports as a result of the electronics threat and new threat intelligence coming out of the Middle East.

New generations of bombs reportedly now being developed by terrorists can be hidden in electric devices and present serious risks to commercial aviation. The challenge facing intelligence agencies, such as DHS, and particularly the Transportation Security Administration, is the growth of potentially radicalized terrorists or foreign fighters carrying valid U.S. and European passports.

Airport security has come a long way since 9/11. Cockpits are now hardened to protect pilots, more sophisticated screening equipment has been added to search passengers and bags, and there is better intelligence sharing among global law enforcement. Although weapons and potential threats are uncovered almost every day by TSA, we have been fortunate to not have experienced another major terrorism incident in recent years.

However, the newest warnings about new bombing capabilities being developed by terrorists are a signal that we cannot be complacent and that our own security capabilities must be constantly upgraded. This includes adding emerging technologies in surveillance and screening to augment physical security.

DHS, through the Transportation Security Lab and the Science and Technology Directorate, has invested in research and development and evaluating prototypes of transportation security technologies. This technology is being integrated in layered defenses at airports, train stations, and other transportation hubs.

There are a variety of technologies being considered to accomplish the transportation security mission. These include:

Data analytics. Sophisticated analytics are now being used to check no-fly lists, irregular activities and garner intelligence on passengers. Capabilities in the data analytics area has been growing exponentially in the past few years, with the corresponding innovations in computation and software applications. Artificial intelligence is being incorporated into intelligence and surveillance activities that will significantly enhance predictive and forensic capabilities.

Computed tomography (CT) scanning. CT deploys automated scanning that evolved from medical technologies. New and improved algorithms allow more detailed high definition and 3-D, multi-view scans. CT can collect much more data than conventional x-ray machines to better detect explosives and bombs. CT also reduces false alarms and allows for fewer human screener interventions.

Biometrics. Emerging biometrics technology includes video facial recognition of potential terrorists on watch lists, fingerprint capture and iris identification of travelers. Currently, Customs and Border Protection is testing an experimental facial recognition program. In the UK, Gatwick Airport employs iris scanning technology for those going through security lines. Some airports are now using fingerprint biometric technology to let passengers who are pre-screened check in.

DHS has also conducted research on a Rapid DNA program that would allow low-cost biometric verification of family relationships. Another DHS project has looked at the intelligent fusion of sensor components in a futuristic checkpoint. The set-up consisted of behavioral sensors to try to measure hostile intent with micro facial and auditory sensors. Those sensors were combined with physiological sensors to monitor the respiratory, cardio, thermal and iris reaction of passengers who may mean harm. In the future, we may see these integrated systems if the speed, throughput and privacy controls can be improved and validated.

Screening at Speed – Stand-off Detection Technologies. DHS is currently exploring "screen-and-walk" or "Screening at Speed" technologies. According to the DHS Science and Technology Directorate website:

Engineers at Northeastern University are currently being supported by a DHS grant to develop this technology and many security firms are also investing in research and development for stand-off detection capabilities.


More emerging technology to come

. In addition, there are many other security technologies that may soon impact transportation security posture. RFID luggage tags to track baggage, perimeter security that utilizes license-plate readers upon entering an airport or transportation hub or when you enter a parking garage, augmented reality and eventually robotic security.

DHS, the intelligence community and law enforcement will need to continue to develop and deploy new tools and technology to prevent future terror incidents. Technology is not a substitute for people, but an enabler to be deployed in a layered, holistic approach. The best security involves people, process, training and the deployment of the latest and greatest technology. Because the transportation sector is a terror target, such a security approach is an imperative.

Charles "Chuck" Brooks is the vice president for government relations and marketing for Sutherland Government Solutions. He served at the Department of Homeland Security as the first director of legislative affairs for the Science and Technology Directorate. Find him on Twitter at @ChuckDBrooks.

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