INDUSTRY FOCUS

If Things Can Go Wrong, They Will

Reading is a great pastime, and I do a lot of it. It’s part of my job. For fun, I read, but not the usual news; I like to focus on obituaries (just checking to make sure I’m not there) and lists. I like the Top Ten lists of just about anything.

Favorites include best pizza in every state. I’m sure the choice in New York or maybe Illinois is difficult, whereas, in Wyoming—where I’m from—the choice might not be too difficult. What does this have to do with security? Nothing.

Another one of my favorite topics is crazy things that TSA officials have found in carry-on luggage. Here are some serious security concerns.

10. Atlantic City International: Bullets in deodorant. The passenger must have been sweating bullets when this was discovered.
9. Newark Liberty International: An Old West-type firearm. Like one from the movies. Is your one-shot worth a mug shot?
8. Houston Hobby International: A meth burrito. You can’t speed your way through security with this one.
7. Honolulu International: A belt buckle with a gun attached. Imagine if this weapon accidentally turned upside down—and then fired. Words cannot explain the pain. What a waist of a Hawaiian vacation.
6. Harrisburg International: A meat cleaver. Seriously, not a clever idea in anyone’s luggage. This traveler wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed.
5. Destin-Fort Walton Beach: Bear spray. This is not a bear necessity on any flight.
4. Reagan Washington National: Machete. This is about 24 inches of stupid.
3. Syracuse Hancock International: Fireworks. This could have been an explosive situation.
2. Sacramento International: Wine holder. No big deal, right? Not when this caddy was made of two hand guns. Talk about a pour decision.
1. You’re not going to believe this. New Orleans International: A chainsaw.

Don’t try to take something illegal through security. You can’t stump the TSA.

TSA makes it abundantly clear what travelers can bring on a flight. None of the above items appear on any “approved items” list I’ve ever read. We are all starting to travel a little more these days, and the rules about carry-on items haven’t changed. Keep security forefront in your thoughts when traveling.

This article originally appeared in the March 2022 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Maximizing Your Security Budget This Year

    Perimeter Security Standards for Multi-Site Businesses

    When you run or own a business that has multiple locations, it is important to set clear perimeter security standards. By doing this, it allows you to assess and mitigate any potential threats or risks at each site or location efficiently and effectively. Read Now

  • New Research Shows a Continuing Increase in Ransomware Victims

    GuidePoint Security recently announced the release of GuidePoint Research and Intelligence Team’s (GRIT) Q1 2024 Ransomware Report. In addition to revealing a nearly 20% year-over-year increase in the number of ransomware victims, the GRIT Q1 2024 Ransomware Report observes major shifts in the behavioral patterns of ransomware groups following law enforcement activity – including the continued targeting of previously “off-limits” organizations and industries, such as emergency hospitals. Read Now

  • OpenAI's GPT-4 Is Capable of Autonomously Exploiting Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

    According to a new study from four computer scientists at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, OpenAI’s paid chatbot, GPT-4, is capable of autonomously exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities without any human assistance. Read Now

  • Getting in Someone’s Face

    There was a time, not so long ago, when the tradeshow industry must have thought COVID-19 might wipe out face-to-face meetings. It sure seemed that way about three years ago. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
Most   Popular

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge. 3

  • 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. 3

  • Hanwha QNO-7012R

    Hanwha QNO-7012R

    The Q Series cameras are equipped with an Open Platform chipset for easy and seamless integration with third-party systems and solutions, and analog video output (CVBS) support for easy camera positioning during installation. A suite of on-board intelligent video analytics covers tampering, directional/virtual line detection, defocus detection, enter/exit, and motion detection. 3