Amid flurry of security-related activity, Schneier action figure launches

The Bruce Schneier Action Figure (pictured) we wrote about in November is finally out, just as the noted Twin Cities–based security consultant is seeing a flurry of action following the attempted Christmas day attack on Flight 253 by “underwear bomber” Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab. Schneier’s recent action-figure-worthy exploits include a commentary piece at CNN today, an assessment of airport security at his personal blog, and a just-launched contest to come up with a snappier TSA logo.

At CNN today, Schneier writes that security worked on Dec. 25, and that responses to the just-indicted undie fundie‘s thwarted bomb attack amount to over-reacting — something he parallels to other threats in society today:

We’re doing these things even though airplane terrorism is incredibly rare, the risk is no greater today than it was in previous decades, the taxi to the airport is still more dangerous than the flight, and ten times as many Americans are killed by lightning as by terrorists….

…Focus on the general risk of terrorism, and not the specific threat of airplane bombings using PETN-filled underwear. Focus on the general risk of troubled teens, and not the specific threat of a lone gunman wandering around a school. Ignore the movie-plot threats, and concentrate on the real risks.

On his own blog today, Schneier posits where security was poor:

To the extent security failed, it failed before Abdulmutallab even got to the airport. Why was he issued an American visa? Why didn’t anyone follow up on his father’s tip?

Elsewhere on his blog, Schneier has launched a design contest: help design a new logo for the Transportation Security Administration. Deadline’s Feb. 6. Here’s what’s at stake:

Winner receives copies of my books, copies of Patrick Smith’s book, an empty 12-ounce bottle labeled “saline” that you can refill and get through any TSA security checkpoint, and a fake boarding pass on any flight for any date.

Finally, here’s a shot of the recently completed prototype of the Bruce Schneier action figure, available for $99 at ThatsMyFace.com: