food safety

Especially coming off a big show like ASIS, it's easy to get overwhelmed by technology. Things like analytics, GUIs, encoders, and the like have occasionally caused my brain to shut down. However, this article brings security to the common folk.

According to CNN, DHS has begun a $20 million pilot program to test various technologies to determine if someone at an airport is displaying physiological signs that may indicate they are up to no good.

The Homeland Security-funded project is Future Attribute Screening Technology, or FAST. Instead of focusing on whether you have hidden explosives or whether you're carrying a weapon, sensors and cameras located at security checkpoints would measure the natural signals coming from your body -- your heart rate, breathing, eye movement, body temperature and fidgeting.

So, they must be using high-profile sensors to identify such things right? Nope. All but one of the sensors are commercially available including the use of Nintendo Wii's balance board. Passengers stand on the board, which measures if they're unnaturally shifting their weight, and determines whether they require secondary screening. That's pretty neat. Maybe they'll eventually just plug in Wii Ski while I wait to go through the security line - that could certainly lighten the mood and make the screening process a whole lot more entertaining.

Well, I'm gearing up to head home to Vermont for the holiday weekend, but before I go, here are some tips on how you too can enjoy a safe Fourth of July. Actually, I'll let my cousin Ed do the 'splainin, he's much more entertaining than I am. Enjoy!

In the spirit of Friday, I like to post something a little silly, but still relevant to the world of security. This week's post came at a most unexpected time while I was babysitting my favorite two year old (I told you security really does follow me everywhere). Anyway, so we were winding down for the night and his absolute favorite show is the Backyardigans. Since I don't have kids and don't have cable, this series was completely new to me and low and behold this episode just happened to be about museum security guards. Both Seamus and I were enraptured by this, but probably for different reasons (he really likes the dancing part).

I had a discussion with Kevin O'Leary, the director of security at Maine General at a conference last year about his objection to the use of the term "guard." He feels very passionately about this topic and wrote a piece titled "'Don't call our security officers 'guards'" and I'm sure would not appreciate this episode or its depiction of security. Take a look, seriously, it's worth the view.

Just in case you missed some of those lyrics, I took the time to transcribe them for you:

Well better do my rounds
and make sure the museum is safe and sound

Look at all this ancient valuable stuff
I must protect it all is so I gotta be tough
I gotta stay stay awake and stay alert
with my security badge and my security shirt
but they don’t have a chance when I’m on the job
because I know how to chase them off yesiree bob

Not exactly the best message to send kids about the world of security, huh? Although, I have to say I think it's more constructive than all those security guard (I mean officer) movies hitting theaters. I mean, at least here they can dance, right?

Friday, January 4, 2008