Airport Security


TSA Announces Final Mobile Driver's License Acceptance at Airport Security, Federal Buildings

Consistent with the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) efforts to enhance the passenger experience, TSA published a final rule in the Federal Register that would allow passengers to continue using mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) for identity verification at TSA airport security checkpoints once REAL ID enforcement begins on May 7, 2025.

Justifying Airport Security Investments

Every article about airport security starts by telling you that airports are considered one of the most challenging environments to secure. With more than a decade of helping major international airports implement comprehensive and scalable security solutions, this is a truth.

London Heathrow Transforms Airport Operations with Genetec

Genetec, a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, today announced that Heathrow Airport’s multi-year investment in Genetec solutions is enabling them to continuously innovate and transform operations. The joint effort provides Heathrow with a unified view across large-scale airport operations to secure people and assets, bringing efficiency and enhancing the passenger experience while ensuring data privacy and cybersecurity compliance.

SIA, IBIA Oppose Adding Extraneous Prohibitions on TSA Use of Facial Biometrics in Potential FAA Measure

The Security Industry Association (SIA) and the International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) have urged Congress to oppose inclusion in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization measure of an extraneous provision seeking to prohibit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) from using facial recognition technology.

Key Management Takes Flight in Tallahassee

In 2017, after attending a national security conference, Thomas Vergo returned to his Tallahassee International Airport (TLH) office with a profound idea. Placing a significant item on both his boss's and director's desks, he sought to revolutionize their approach to access control.

TSA Detects Record 6,737 Firearms at Security Checkpoints in 2023

During 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a total of 6,737 firearms at airport security checkpoints, preventing them from getting into the secure areas of the airport and onboard aircraft. Approximately 93% of these firearms were loaded. This total surpasses the previous year’s record of 6,542 firearms stopped at checkpoints and represents the highest one-year total in TSA’s history.

TSA PreCheck® Program Adds Four New Airlines

Eligible passengers can use TSA PreCheck lanes when traveling from the United States on 90 airlines

TSA Stops 3,251 Firearms At Airport Checkpoints Nationwide During the First Half of 2023

TSA Stops 3,251 Firearms At Airport Checkpoints Nationwide During the First Half of 2023

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted 3,251 firearms at airport security checkpoints during the first half of 2023, which ended June 30. The total represents an average 18 firearms per day at TSA checkpoints of which more than 92% were loaded.



TSA Awards Up to $1.3 Billion to Procure Additional CT X-ray Scanners for Airport Checkpoints

TSA Awards Up to $1.3 Billion to Procure Additional CT X-ray Scanners for Airport Checkpoints

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced the award of three orders for a combined total value of up to $1.3 billion for Computed Tomography (CT) scanners to include up to 426 base, 359 mid-size, and 429 full-size units, if all options are exercised, for deployment across TSA checkpoints starting Summer 2023

TSA Checkpoints Now Equipped with New State-of-the-Art 3-Scanners

A new state-of-the-art advanced technology computed tomography scanner that provides 3-D imaging has been installed at the TSA checkpoint, at Adirondack, NY, Regional Airport (SLK), and the checkpoint at Trenton-Mercer, NJ, Airport (TTN), providing critical explosives detection capabilities for screening carry-on items.

Taking Flight

Taking Flight

Airport security is a complex system that incorporates multiple technologies to ensure the safety and security of travelers, employees and the facility itself. Sound-based technologies are integral pieces of this system, providing means of communication, notification and monitoring.

Physical Security Workers Are Knowledge Workers, It is Time to Start Treating Them that Way

Physical Security Workers Are Knowledge Workers, It is Time to Start Treating Them that Way

Security has always depended on knowledge. When a nightclub bouncer checks the guest-list before letting you past the velvet rope, or a TSA officer runs your passport and prints against the no-fly list, they are using information in real-time to control access and keep everyone safe.

Allied Universal Lands Security Contract at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport

Allied Universal® has announced that it has been awarded a five-year contract to help secure Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), the second-largest airport in the United States. The contracted services began in January.

SIA Advocates for Keeping Facial Recognition Technology at TSA Screening Checkpoints

SIA Advocates for Keeping Facial Recognition Technology at TSA Screening Checkpoints

Late last week, a group of five senators called for the TSA to halt the use of facial recognition technology at domestic airports. But in a statement, the SIA is asking the TSA to reject that request.

TSA Breaks Record Nationally and in Washington for Firearm Discoveries in 2022

TSA Breaks Record Nationally and in Washington for Firearm Discoveries in 2022

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers in Washington detected 164 firearms in travelers’ carry-on luggage in 2022, with the majority of the firearms discovered at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) security checkpoints.

TSA Begins Testing Drone Detection Technology at LAX

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced that it has begun testing state-of-the-art technology designed to detect, track and identify (DTI) drones entering restricted air space around Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

Florida Airport Uses Artificial Intelligence Software to Enhance Security

Hakimo, a technology company dedicated to modernizing physical security through its artificial intelligence (AI) software, recently announced that Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) has deployed the Hakimo solution to enhance security and support Transportation Security Administration (TSA) compliance efforts

Woman Shot and Injured After Firing Gun At Dallas Love Field Airport

An armed woman fired several shots at the ceiling at Dallas Love Field on Monday morning before being injured by a police officer.

Netwatch North America Announces Technology Integration with Hanwha Techwin

TSA Screens More than 11 Million Travelers During July Fourth Weekend

During the Independence Day holiday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened more than 11.3 million travelers from June 30 through and including Monday, July 4. The weekend travel volume represents 93% of volume for the same 5-day pre-pandemic holiday period in 2019.

TSA Prepares for Summer Travel Demand and Higher Passenger Volumes

TSA Prepares for Summer Travel Demand and Higher Passenger Volumes

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared for a busy summer travel season with anticipated passenger volumes that will match and may occasionally exceed those of 2019 for the first time since the pandemic began.

Passengers Bring Guns to TSA Checkpoints as a Dangerous Trend Continues

Passengers Bring Guns to TSA Checkpoints as a Dangerous Trend Continues

A man headed for Seattle came to a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Tampa International Airport with a Bersa Thunder semi-automatic pistol. The weapon was loaded with six rounds; one bullet was chambered.

Similarities at Data Centers and Airports

Similarities at Data Centers and Airports

Few sectors face higher regulation and compliance standards in the United States than the aviation industry.

TSA Awards $781.2 Million to Procure Additional CT X-ray Scanners for Airport Checkpoints

TSA has announced the award of two orders for a combined total value of up to $781.2 million to Analogic for the procurement and maintenance of base and full-size Computed Tomography (CT) X-ray systems for carry-on items at TSA checkpoints.

A Power User - How AI and deep learning are making airport operations an IP camera heavyweight

A Power User

The No. 1 issue faced by airports prior to the pandemic was capacity and as passenger counts ramp up, this issue is coming right back in focus. Airport expansions are few, and far between.

The Continued Evolution

The Continued Evolution

Nearly two years since the COVID-19 pandemic-grounded travelers globally, we are beginning to see a return to widespread air travel, now in full swing, with the exception of ongoing weather and staffing delays.

Federal Indictments in Airport Assault Case are an Important Step for Worker Safety 

Federal Indictments in Airport Assault Case are an Important Step for Worker Safety 

Last week’s announcement that three Delta Air Lines passengers face federal charges for allegedly assaulting an airline security officer and gate agent is welcome news to airport workers who have faced increased physical and verbal abuse while on the job.

FAA-Fined Unruly Passengers to Lose TSA PreCheck

Unruly airline passengers may face additional consequences for bad behavior under a new partnership between the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Near Pre-pandemic Travel Volumes Expected to Continue Through December Holidays

Near Pre-pandemic Travel Volumes Expected to Continue Through December Holidays

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screened just under 21 million travelers during the 10-day Thanksgiving holiday. The agency expects high travel volumes into the December holidays and encourages passengers planning to travel this holiday season to sign up for TSA PreCheck® to provide more convenience and save time at the airport.

Security Breached at 38,000 Feet

During the week of Halloween, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines were the latest to have to deal with “domestic terrorism” at 38,000 feet. Where does this behavior come from?

TSA Prepared for a Busy Holiday Travel Season

TSA Prepared for a Busy Holiday Travel Season

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is anticipating that security checkpoints locally and nationwide will be busy during the upcoming holiday travel season.

TSA Employee Spotlight: Christina Marks

In a year when the number of unruly passengers and gun catches have broken all records and upended civility, Austin-Bergstrom (Texas) International Airport TSA Officer Christina Marks is doing her job exceedingly well. Credited with discovering five firearms in carry-on bags since January, the eagle-eyed officer takes her X-ray and customer service duties seriously.

You Can’t Fly with Guns

You Can’t Fly with Guns

It is hard to imagine there are still people who feel they can pack a handgun in their carry-on luggage, board a plane to wherever; guns are not welcome.

TSA Reminds Passengers to Remain Calm and Respectful at Security Checkpoints

TSA Reminds Passengers to Remain Calm and Respectful at Security Checkpoints

As America continues to recover from the pandemic and vaccination rates rise, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are excited to welcome the traveling public back to the nation’s transportation systems.

TSA Surpasses 2 Million Daily Travelers Screened

TSA Surpasses 2 Million Daily Travelers Screened

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) surpassed the 2 million threshold for travelers screened in one day on June 11, when 2,028,961 people were screened at airport security checkpoints.

DHS Announces New Efforts to Support the TSA Workforce

Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas today announced new efforts to support the Transportation Security Administration (

Low Altitude, High Risk

Low Altitude, High Risk

Drones present a significant risk to aircraft during takeoffs and landings – low altitude maneuvering – according to an October study from the Canada National Research Council’s Aerospace Research Center.

Devastating Impact

Devastating Impact

The COVID-19 outbreak has hit airports hard, and the devastating impact will be felt for years to come. The situation is worrisome not only for the sake of the industry itself but also because airports and air transportation services are critical to the economic stability and growth of cities, regions and countries.

An Uptick in Travel Brings Demand for Integrated Security

An Uptick in Travel Brings Demand for Integrated Security

A predicted boom in U.S. travel this summer will lead to increased demand for integrated video, access, and systems in hospitality and leisure settings, so says IDIS America.

The New Age

The New Age

During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, commercial passenger air travel in the United States dropped by more than 90%.

Airport Firearm Detection more than Doubles in 2020

Airport Firearm Detection more than Doubles in 2020

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers detected twice as many firearms per million passengers screened at airport security checkpoints nationwide in 2020 compared to 2019, and at a significantly higher rate than any other year since the agency’s inception.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Webinars

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3

  • 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. 3