TSA Takes Advantage of Reduced Travel to Upgrade Airport Security Tech

The Transportation Security Administration has upgraded technologies deployed for airport security amid reduced travel during the pandemic.

Tech upgrades conducted by TSA cover computed tomography, advanced imaging technology and credential authentication technology systems, FedScoop reported.

Stacey Fitzmaurice, executive assistant administrator for operations support at TSA, said in an interview that the agency is committed to ensuring better threat detection while also providing health protection.

Using CT scanners, TSA agents are able to screen passengers’ luggage at checkpoints and rotate the generated image at various angles. Moving forward, the agency wants to integrate UV sanitation systems with X-ray and CT systems to disinfect the reusable bins used in screening procedures.

AITs locate metallic and nonmetallic threats on peoples’ bodies, eliminating the need for travelers to pose with their hands up.

Meanwhile, CATs automate the process for authenticating the validity of travelers’ IDs. The TSA is looking to enhance these systems with a biometric comparison technology. Pilots are underway for systems designed to compare a live image of a person with either a provided ID or photos stored in galleries of programs like TSA PreCheck.

To facilitate enhanced identity verification, TSA is working with companies to potentially incorporate digital identities to be used by CAT systems. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection adopted a similar approach at seaports amid the resumption of cruise ship travel.

CBP’s facial biometric comparison tech is estimated to be more than 98 percent accurate and completes identity verification in two seconds. It is available at 12 seaports across the country and has mostly been used to clear cruise passengers in Florida and Texas.