Unfortunately, the TSA has accidentally posted an improperly redacted manual that some say could be used as a roadmap to allow terrorists to get through security checkpoints at an airport. The TSA operating manual was placed on a federal procurement website last spring and offered up details of airport security. Among the details the handbook offered were technical settings for X-ray machines and explosives detectors and details on passenger and luggage screening.

Reuters reports that TSA officials have confirmed the "lapse" and according to former TSA officials, the handbook exposed practices that were implemented after September 11 and following other security incidents. The document totaled 93 pages and included pictures of credentials used by U.S. lawmakers, CIA employees, and federal air marshals.

The TSA issued a statement saying, "An outdated, unclassified version of a Standard Operating Procedures was improperly posted by the agency to the Federal Business Opportunities website, wherein redacted information was not properly protected." The TSA also stated that "while the document does demonstrate the complexities of checkpoint security, it does not contain information related to the specifics of everyday checkpoint screening procedures."

The document also included specifics on passenger nationalities that require special scrutiny when traveling by air. ABC News reports that the manual calls out travelers with passports from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Libya, Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Somalia, Iraq, Yemen or Algeria for special attention during screenings.

Another tidbit that the document exposed was that the screens at checkpoints can reduce from 100% to 25% the times they use a black light to authenticate documents. Coupled with the images of credentials that allow certain law enforcement officers to get on a plane with weapons some fear that fake credentials could be used to get past security.

Former Air Marshal Robert MacLean, who was fired after the 9-11 attacks for revealing security holes, states, "Screening is like a big puzzle and this SOP gives you directions on putting the puzzle together."

The TSA is conducting a full review of the leak and some are calling for an independent review according to the L.A. Times. The document in question was redacted on the website, but the redacted information was clearly seen with a simple cut and paste according to reports.

The TSA continued, adding, "TSA has many layers of security to keep the traveling public safe and to constantly adapt to evolving threats. TSA is confident that screening procedures currently in place remain strong."

While the TSA maintains that the procedures in the manual are outdated and have been rewritten numerous times, MacLean doubts their claims. He said, "How much in screening procedure changes in 17 months? It's a one-dimensional process."

An enormous amount of research time and money is being invested in finding new procedures to make security checks at airports more efficient and safe. Researchers at MIT recently announced a new type of scanner that can tell the difference between certain materials inside a bag.