Computer Security

[Bumz_Rush]

Can any one out there explain how removing my lap top computer from its plastic case assists the X ray machine. Perhaps Targus has a X ray barrier?

 

[Thedude]

They way I heard it goes... Even before Sept 11th the Govmt and the forces that be in aviation secutrity had already gotten word that terroist might try to smuggle impovised explosive devices through security by putting C-4 and a detonating device inside the laptop casing. Trying to pick out such things intermeshed with other electronics would prbably be very difficult to spot with the old X-ray machined that where in use. I rememeber security in DFW making people pull their laptops out of the bag, at least 6 months prior to 9/11.

Last year when I had to attend the Common Strategy training for 121 carriers, we learned about a few other ways the towel heads had tried and one of the more interesing was a explosive device containd within a VHS cassette tape. That one was very difficult to spot. But it just goes to show you that it you are determined enough you will find a way.

Just try going through security with a lead lined camera bag nowadays. I tried it before 9/11 and they almost flipped out and to make it worse I was in uniform.

 

[avbug]

It's not just the foriegn terrorists. I've seen C-4 in a videocasette with a detonator used in a meth lab. The apparent idea was that upon overhaul of the lab afte the takedown, law enforcement would insert the tape into the machine, and the resulting explosion would take out the lab. Sort of a destruction of evidence with a twist, type of affair.

Folks think removing shoes is a hardship, or that checking an applicance for content or functionis a problem. But it doesn't take much explosive formed as a ribbon charge to cut a door hinge, or make a new entry. It only takes a few millivolts to set off a cap or detonator. It can all easily be concealed in a small appliance...say, a cell phone. Or a laptop. Or a shoe heel.

And no matter what the public wants to think about their grand prowness in taking their airplane back from a terrorist...the fatal funnel concept means that only one or two individuals can safely secure the front of the airplane while a breach is being conducted...and that can be done in very short order with a little preparation and training.

The point is this: there's nothing wrong with examining a phone, laptop, or other item, and there's no reason why you shouldn't remove it from the case. Certainly more stringent security measures are warranted, so the small effort of removing your computer from it's bag shouldn't be a big deal at all.

 

[ShawnC]

A laptop is layer upon layer of electronics, they figure less layers allow them to see if it's a bomb inside.

 

[Vavso]

isnt it...

to make it easier to swab it with that explosive detecting swab thingy???

 

[ShawnC]

You think that thingy would be useful if they seal the explosives before they put it into the laptop? Remember that modern laptops are extremely modular (even if they are still cramped). It doesn't take much for a determined terrorists to figure out a way past the security.

All that TSA stuff is to stop the part time criminal they stand no chance against the patient deadly ones like Bin Laden's group.

 

[Bumz_Rush]

Thanks

Thanks guys, the point of my quest is that going into the US my lap top sits in its sleeping bag, well protected. Only when I get inside the usa do I have to remove the computer. Not open it, (unless this has changed in last few weeks), and then put it back in its case.

I take the point of explosives (C4) being moulded into the shape of a Pentium4. or even a Floppy. But it could be in any shape, for example a tooth brush.

I have not recently attended a "flight crew security" 121 course, in the last few years, but the one I did attend was not exacly comprehensive in this area.