I got the opposite from the original CNN video. It appeared that they were using "basic" hiding techniques for these items. They weren't trying to go and reinvent the wheel by using techniques they know will get through TSA screening, but they used techniques that they figured TSA would be able to find, and they just failed.
I'm going to go re-watch the video to see if I missed something though. I'll edit this if I learn something new.
Edit: I looked for some more detailed articles and I found this quote, however it is coming from the TSA not the testing agency.
> The goal of the Red Team is to build tests that push the boundaries of our people, processes, and technology. We know that the adversary innovates and we have to push ourselves to capacity in order to remain one step ahead. With that said, our testers often make these covert tests as difficult as possible. It’s not like they’re using a cartoonish bundle of dynamite with an alarm clock strapped to it. These items are extremely hard to spot.
Edit 2: I'm an idiot the TSA was the screening agency, or at least these tests are frequently referred to as internal tests. I didn't know the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (IG) was a part of the TSA.
Even if they were using full-on, ninja terrorist techniques, you would expect screeners to train to those standards. If they train to and pass those standards, then Joe Terrorist shouldn't be a problem.
They did use that excuse in the past. Lame after-the-failure excuse making.
I'm going to go re-watch the video to see if I missed something though. I'll edit this if I learn something new.
Edit: I looked for some more detailed articles and I found this quote, however it is coming from the TSA not the testing agency.
> The goal of the Red Team is to build tests that push the boundaries of our people, processes, and technology. We know that the adversary innovates and we have to push ourselves to capacity in order to remain one step ahead. With that said, our testers often make these covert tests as difficult as possible. It’s not like they’re using a cartoonish bundle of dynamite with an alarm clock strapped to it. These items are extremely hard to spot.
http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/06/tsa-fails-secur...
Edit 2: I'm an idiot the TSA was the screening agency, or at least these tests are frequently referred to as internal tests. I didn't know the Department of Homeland Security Inspector General (IG) was a part of the TSA.