**GAO-08-958**                      Published: Aug 08, 2008. Publicly Released: Aug 14, 2008.                  

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## Highlights

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) uses undercover, or covert, testing to approximate techniques that terrorists may use to identify vulnerabilities in and measure the performance of airport security systems. During these tests, undercover inspectors attempt to pass threat objects through passenger and baggage screening systems, and access secure airport areas. In response to a congressional request, GAO examined (1) TSA's strategy for conducting covert testing of the transportation system and the extent to which the agency has designed and implemented its covert tests to achieve identified goals; and (2) the results of TSA's national aviation covert tests conducted from September 2002 to June 2007, and the extent to which TSA uses the results of these tests to mitigate security vulnerabilities. To conduct this work, GAO analyzed covert testing documents and data and interviewed TSA and transportation industry officials.

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## Topics

Homeland Security

AirlinesAirport securityAirportsAviationBaggage screeningCombating terrorismCommercial aviationCritical infrastructureData collectionGovernment information disseminationHomeland securityInspectionInternal controlsPassenger screeningPassenger screening systemsPerformance measuresProduct evaluationProgram evaluationProgram managementRisk managementSearch and seizureSecurity threatsStrategic planningSystem vulnerabilitiesSystems testingTerroristsTestingTransportation planningTransportation policiesTransportation safetyTransportation securityProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementation