CSA Threat Recognition 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which of the following is considered a primary indicator of an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed in cargo?
- Excessive or unusual packaging that doesn't match the declared contents (Correct answer)
- Cargo shipped during business hours
- A shipper with a long account history
- Cargo wrapped in standard plastic wrap
Correct answer: Excessive or unusual packaging that doesn't match the declared contents
Unusual or excessive packaging inconsistent with declared contents is a key IED indicator in cargo security assessments.
Question 2: What does the term 'unknown shipper' mean in the context of CSA cargo security?
- A shipper whose identity and security practices have not been verified (Correct answer)
- A shipper who refuses to provide a phone number
- A shipper who uses a third-party freight forwarder
- A shipper located outside the United States
Correct answer: A shipper whose identity and security practices have not been verified
An unknown shipper is one whose identity and security compliance have not been vetted by a Known Shipper program.
Question 3: Which behavior by a person at a cargo facility should be treated as a security threat indicator?
- Taking photographs of restricted areas without authorization (Correct answer)
- Asking for directions to the loading dock
- Wearing a company-issued badge
- Delivering a pre-scheduled shipment
Correct answer: Taking photographs of restricted areas without authorization
Unauthorized photography of restricted or secure areas is a recognized surveillance indicator and potential security threat.
Question 4: What is a 'suspicious package' in cargo security terminology?
- Any item that has unusual odors, stains, sounds, or wires protruding from it (Correct answer)
- A package that arrives after the scheduled delivery time
- A package that lacks a return address label
- A package that is heavier than expected
Correct answer: Any item that has unusual odors, stains, sounds, or wires protruding from it
Suspicious packages are identified by physical anomalies such as unusual odors, stains, protruding wires, or sounds that may indicate a dangerous device.
Question 5: When should cargo screening be performed to detect potential threats?
- Before the cargo is loaded onto an aircraft or transport vehicle (Correct answer)
- After the cargo reaches its final destination
- Only when a threat has been reported
- Once per week on a random sampling basis
Correct answer: Before the cargo is loaded onto an aircraft or transport vehicle
Cargo must be screened prior to loading to prevent dangerous items from being transported.
Question 6: Which method is most commonly used by terrorists to exploit cargo systems?
- Infiltrating trusted insider positions to introduce contraband (Correct answer)
- Attacking cargo facilities with physical force
- Intercepting cargo in transit
- Hijacking delivery vehicles on public roads
Correct answer: Infiltrating trusted insider positions to introduce contraband
The insider threat is considered the most significant vulnerability in cargo security, as trusted employees can bypass standard screening.
CSA Threat Recognition 1
Which of the following is considered a primary indicator of an improvised explosive device (IED) concealed in cargo?