Sensitive Airport Security Information Leaked Onto Internet
PALM SPRINGS – It has been called “A Roadmap for Terrorists.” The Transportation Security Administration’s confidential security manual, online for all to see. TheTSA posted it on the Internet as part of a contract bidding process. The sensitive information was electronically blacked out, but hackers easily got around it.
“I’m afraid to say that there has been a pattern of incompetence and ineptitude on the part of the TSA over the years,” says Clark Kent Ervin, a former Inspector General for Homeland Security.
Among many sensitive sections: what size electrical wire can go undetected by airport screening machines, items that screeners can decide not to check, including wheelchairs and what identity cards for theCIA and Federal Air Marshals look like. We asked travelers at the Palm Springs International Airport what they thought.
“I think if terrorists want to get on the planes they’re going to find ways no matter what,” says traveler Sylvia Wigle.
“They’re obviously going to try and watch out for that kind of stuff but you can only protect everyone as much as you can,” says traveler Jordan Mills.
“We always feel that there’s lots of precaution in travel because of what’s happened in the U.S. We’re from Canada and sometimes I just wonder if there’s an over sensitivity but I suppose it’s better to be fully aware,” says traveler Denise Kadatz.
The TSA says the document is now outdated. It was posted back in March on the Federal Business Opportunity web site. It has since been removed but is still circulating on the Internet on web sites not controlled by the government.
There were plenty of questions at two congressional hearings, including one on the effectiveness of terrorist travel programs. Homeland Security secretary Janet Napolitano testified at a senate judiciary hearing.
“The document posted was out of date. Nevertheless, the posting did not meet our standards of what should be posted on the net,” she said.
As a result, fiveTSA employees have been placed on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
