This time, it was simply a daring prank from a couple of fame hunters.

Next time, the motives could be more malicious.

Tareq and Michaele Salahi talked their way into a state dinner at the White House last month, despite the fact they were reportedly not invited. They met President Barack Obama and the Indian prime minister and chummed with presidential advisers.

The Secret Service is rightly flushed with embarrassment over this "gotcha" episode. The couple passed through multiple checkpoints where Secret Service officers could've checked their names against the official list.

That agency should be thankful it's only facing a congressional investigation over a hypothetical danger. The next people to sneak in might not be so bold as to arrive with a reality TV crew in tow, drawing immediate attention to themselves as the Salahis did.

The next party crashers might not broadcast their feat to the world on a Facebook page afterward, either, as the couple did. Except for that bit of braggadocio, the secret probably would've stayed with them.

Supposedly the Salahis have made a hobby out of their celebrity encounters. In itself, that's a tame hobby. Thing is, this was no ordinary party they crashed.

The safety of the president is paramount, but he's not the only figure who's vulnerable in that situation. World leaders are often the featured guests at state dinners, and they have a right to expect safety from opposing factions as part of American hospitality. An incident like this could also be seen as an insult, and any affront is unneeded in the fragile international balance.

The Salahis apparently came with benign intentions, but their shenanigans shouldn't be rewarded with a big tabloid payday. Perhaps a hefty fine or other minor punishment would jolt them out of their fantasy world.

As for the blemish on security, hopefully this is the jolt that wakes up the Secret Service. Congress should press officials to determine whether this was a one-time lapse or an indication that lax protection is more widespread.

Consider this the dress rehearsal for the real thing.