Spotlight
 Department of Homeland Security 

Office of Inspector General November 2011 OIG-12-06 

TSA Penetration Testing of Advanced Imaging

Technology

Unclassified Summary 

Transportation Security Administration (TSA) began piloting advanced imaging technology (AIT) in 2007, and accelerated its

deployment of AIT to provide greater explosives detection capabilities in order to identify materials such as those used in the

attempted December 25, 2009 attack. The AIT screens passengers for metallic and nonmetallic threats including weapons,

explosives and other objects concealed under layers of clothing without physical contact to help TSA keep the traveling public safe.

Additionally, TSA uses pat-downs to resolve anomalies in the AIT images.

TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Millimeter wave technology bounces electromagnetic

waves off the body to create a black and white three-dimensional image. Backscatter technology projects low level X-ray beams

over the body to create a reflection of the body displayed on the monitor. AIT screening is optional for all passengers. Passengers

who opt out of AIT screening will receive alternative screening, including a physical pat-down.

In February 2011, TSA piloted Automated Target Recognition (ATR), a software package for the millimeter wave AIT. ATR uses

the same screening technology as the millimeter wave technology referenced above with one difference. The system performs all

necessary image analysis to determine the location of anomalies found during a scan of the passenger, thereby removing the human

factor from the image review process. The AIT with ATR then displays information regarding the location of the anomalies on an

avatar to facilitate secondary screening.

As of January 2011, TSA has invested more than $87 million in the acquisition, installation, and maintenance of AIT technologies.

Of the $87 million, approximately $77 million was for the purchase of backscatter and millimeter wave technologies and $10 million

for installation and maintenance. Additionally, TSA is in the process of investing $7 million to upgrade AIT units with ATR

capability.

We evaluated the effectiveness of TSA’s AIT units used at passenger screening checkpoints and its specific screening procedures.

We also determined whether Transportation Security Officers followed the established policies and procedures for the technology.

The compilation of the number of tests conducted, the names of airports tested, and the quantitative and qualitative results of our

testing are classified, or designated as Sensitive Security Information. We have shared the information with the Department, the

TSA, and appropriate Congressional committees.

We identified vulnerabilities in the screening process at the passenger screening checkpoint at the domestic airports where we

conducted testing. As a result of our testing, we made eight recommendations and TSA concurred with all the recommendations.

When fully implemented, these recommendations should strengthen the overall effectiveness of the screening process at the

passenger screening checkpoint. TSA appreciated the work done by the Office of Inspector General and will analyze the audit results

as part of its ongoing efforts to assess and improve passenger checkpoint screening. The agency acknowledged that improvements

can be made in the operation of new passenger screening technologies to prevent individuals with threat objects from entering airport

sterile areas undetected. TSA will continue to take the necessary steps to increase the effectiveness of AIT.

For Further Information:

Contact our Office of Public Affairs at (202)254-4100, or email us at DHS-OIG.OfficePublicAffairs@dhs.gov