Using Stolen Passports Uncalled For

Using Stolen Passports Uncalled For

  • By Ginger Hill
  • Mar 13, 2014

Using Stolen Passports Uncalled ForAccording to several media outlets, the two Iranians who used stolen passports to board the Malaysia Airlines jet that disappeared are unlikely to be linked to any terrorist groups. This is a good thing. But, I am still baffled as to how not one but two people boarded an aircraft with stolen passports, especially in the height of all the fuss over airport security.

I know when I traveled to Montreal, Canada about a month ago my passport was checked 4 times before I made it to baggage claim. And, when I was on my way back to Texas from Canada, at the airport, my boarding pass along with my passport was checked at least 4 times that I vividly recall, from security to the terminal. I understand that this is North America, but it seems that all international airports would take the time to adequately check travelers’ passports and other documents, like boarding passes.

Even if passenger documents are checked, if these documents aren’t checked against Interpol’s database of stolen and lost travel documents, travelers using them can apparently slip through layer after layer of security, as we have seen demonstrated in this tragic situation.

In fact, Interpol said that during 2013, passengers were allowed to board planes more than 1 billion times without having their travel documents checked against their Stolen and Lost Travel Documents database that was established in 2002, following 9/11 as a way to help countries protect their borders. Oh, and by the way, the database is FREE to use.

According to Interpol, the US searches their database more than 250 million times annually; the UK more than 120 million times annually; and the United Arab Emirates more that 50 million times annually, so why aren’t all countries around the world utilizing this free resource?

It would seem that with all the smartphones, tablets, laptops and other gadgets along with sophisticated technology that is used worldwide, checking Interpol’s database wouldn’t take longer than a couple of seconds. Besides, I bet there's an app for that!

Precious seconds could be all that stands in the way of preventing a horrible incident from occurring.

(Image Credit: AHMAD FAIZAL YAHYA / Shutterstock.com)

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

  • Why the Future of Video Security Is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reasons. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.