I don't believe there is a simple solution to this threat nor are the authorities overreacting.
So - I can't take a drink in, making me less likely to be a terrorist, but as soon as I plug in at work I could put two aircraft together over a densely populated City and kill thousands.
And you reckon they're not overreacting? BO**OCKS!
Application of security has to be coupled with common sense - which this isn't.