Today: September 6, 2010

 

Israel's New Airport Security Idea

Posted: Sat 13th February 2010 9.08 PM  | Author: Sam Hailes

An Israeli company has come up with a revolutionary new airport security system which could drastically improve the chances of catching terrorists before they fly. 

According to CEO Ehud Givon, WeCu ("We see you") raises detection to a whole new level. The device which took 6 years to develop, flashes key photos, symbols, or code words, relating to the information authorities are most interested in (whether it's terrorism, drug smuggling or other crimes), to passengers as they pass through security checkpoints.

Hidden biometric sensors then detect the public's physical reactions and subtle behavioral changes. Based on their reactions, the authorities can determine whether further investigation or questioning is required. 

The logic is that people can't help reacting, even if only subtly, to familiar images that suddenly appear in unfamiliar places. If you strolled through an airport and saw a picture of your mother, Givon explains, you couldn't help but respond. "The reaction could be a darting of the eyes, an increased heartbeat, a nervous twitch or faster breathing," he said.

It's a very different approach to current security methods such as prior intelligence. The makers of the new system are keen to point out intelligence is not fool proof. A warning by the father of the Nigerian terrorist who planned to blow up a plane over Detroit in December that authorities should "watch out" for his son apparently went unheeded. US officials say that such warnings are not unusual, and there was nothing in Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab's background or application that indicated that he was too dangerous to be allowed into the US.

What about profiling? Pulling people out of line for carrying extra large bags, wearing raincoats on a hot day, or just 'looking suspicious' have led to claims from critics that it produces numerous false positives, while wasting time and resources. 

The trick, says Givon, is that WeCu focuses on very close corroboration between stimuli and reaction, to the extent that the system can almost always pick out individuals who pose a threat. Tests in both lab and real-life situations with hundreds of subjects have shown that 95% of the people flagged by the WeCu system are indeed "persons of interest" with whom authorities would want to have a chat, claims Givon. 

"One of the many advantages of the WeCu system is that the subject is not even aware he or she is being monitored," says Givon. "

The system also preserves people's privacy. "We keep no records and do not take into account anything other than the reaction of the subject to the stimuli presented by the WeCu device." says Givon.

Until recently, the company was operating under the radar - it still lacks a website (though see here) - but its work is known and respected in the security community, to the extent that it won an award as one of the 60 top companies that will impact Israel's tomorrow, during the country's 60th anniversary celebrations.

Located in northern Israel and employing about a dozen people, the company has received several grants from the Israel Chief Scientist's Office and the US Transportation Safety Administration and Department of Homeland Security, but is 90% self-funded.

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