Government Security


SIA, AAPA Urge DHS to Reconsider Port Allocations

Today, the Security Industry Association (SIA), along with the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano. In the letter, the organizations urge the secretary to reconsider grant allocations assigned to the Fiscal Year 2012 Port Security Grant Program, or to offer waivers on cost share agreements of previously awarded grants.

Maryland Town Improves Public Safety with New Cameras

Maryland Town Improves Public Safety with New Cameras

The Forest Heights Police Department, located in Prince George’s County, Md., is installing IQinVision HD megapixel cameras in key locations throughout the city.

Three-strikes Law Fails to Reduce Crime in California

California’s three-strikes law has not reduced violent crime, but has contributed significantly to the state’s financial woes by substantially increasing the prison population, according to a University of California, Riverside researcher.

Using Advanced Security Technology to Comply with the Food Safety Modernization Act

Last year, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), was implemented to prevent food-borne disease caused by both intentional and unintentional sources, and to improve detection and response when an outbreak occurs.

DHS Announces Grant Guidance for Fiscal Year 2012 Preparedness Grants

DHS Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently announced the release of FY 2012 grant guidance and application kits for seven DHS preparedness grant programs totaling over $1.3 billion.

Michigan Man Arrested for Illegally Streaming Live Sporting Events Over the Internet

Yonjo Quiroa, 28, of Comstock Park, Mich., was arrested Wed., Feb. 1, charged with criminal copyright infringement related to a website operation that illegally streamed live sporting event telecasts and pay-per-view events via Internet.

New Index Ranks Ability of G20 Nations to Withstand Cyber Attacks, Harness Digital Environment

A benchmark study of 19 of the world’s 20 leading economies found that the United Kingdom and the United States lead Group of 20 (G20) countries in their ability to withstand cyber attacks and to deploy the digital infrastructure necessary for a productive and secure economy. The index also found that several major economies—Argentina, Indonesia, Russia and Saudi Arabia—do not have cybersecurity plans and do not appear to be developing them.

Giant Weed Creates Threat to Our Nation's Ecosystems - and Border Security

Weed control has become a matter of national security. Along U.S. southern coastal rivers, most particularly Texas’ Rio Grande, an invasive species of plant known as giant reed is encroaching on the water, overrunning international border access roads, and creating a dense cover for illegal activities. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has called for a plan to control this weed.



French Officers Look to ICE HSI for Gang Enforcement Guidance

Across the United States, gangs threaten public safety in neighborhoods and communities.

Virden Community Center

Manitoba Town Relies on Brivo to Secure Regional Multi-purpose Community Center

Brivo Systems, providing Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) applications for security management, recently announced that the Town of Virden, located in the province of Manitoba, Canada, has installed Brivo ACS OnSite Aparato to provide access control management for their new, Regional Multi-purpose Community Center Complex.

DHS, DOD Announce Continued Partnership in Strengthening Southwest Border Security

The Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security will continue their critical partnership to further strengthen the already unprecedented levels of personnel, technology and infrastructure along the Southwest border.

NIST Expands Government Authentication Options

A newly revised publication from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) expands the options for government agencies that need to verify the identity of users of their Web-based services.

U.S. Military, Public Safety Agencies to Receive Interoperable Communications Systems

SRI International and Covia Labs are working together to develop low-cost and secure communications, network management and situational awareness systems for the U.S. military, public safety agencies and commercial clients.

U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin Complete Environmental Testing of the Nation's Next Missile Warning Satellite

Lockheed Martin has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing of the U.S. Air Force's second Space Based Infrared System geosynchronous satellite.

Test Your Cryptology Skills with NSA's New Crypto Mobile Game App

NSA's CryptoChallenge game challenges young adults to decode hundreds of puzzles.

National Bulk Cash Smuggling Center Expands Operations

To fight transnational organized crime, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's National Bulk Cash Smuggling Center has expanded its operations center to enhance efforts to combat bulk cash smuggling.

San Diego BEST Combats Human Smuggling and Trafficking

Every day, human smuggling and trafficking groups like the CARLOS human smuggling organization attempt to illegally bring people across U.S. borders.

Evading Surveillance on Reality TV

In a world driven by technological advancements that include mobile monitoring and 24/7 surveillance, the idea of disconnecting from Big Brother seems relatively impossible.

Department of Air Force Certification Grants Vindicator Authority to Operate Critical Asset Security on USAF Networks

Honeywell’s portfolio of Vindicator security technology, which is used to protect critical-infrastructure facilities across the globe, achieved a major milestone by being certified for use on U.S. Air Force data networks.

Engineers Developing Military Applications for Smartphones

Engineers from the MU College of Engineering, with funding from the U.S. Army/Leonard Wood Institute, have enhanced popular smartphones to be able to find and track targets.

ICE Seized 150 Websites that were Illegally Selling, Distributing Counterfeit Merchandise

This operation is the eighth phase of Operation In Our Sites, a sustained law enforcement initiative to protect consumers by targeting counterfeit and piracy on the Internet, and the second year it has coincided with Cyber Monday.

Feds Seize 9 Tons of Marijuana Near Otay Mesa Border Crossing

Seven individuals have been charged in federal court with drug smuggling following the discovery of more than 9 tons of marijuana inside a tractor trailer attempting to enter the United States at the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry.

Justice Department Opens Investigation into the Miami Police Department

Justice Department Opens Investigation into the Miami Police Department

The Justice Department has opened a civil investigation into allegations of excessive use of deadly force by members of the city of Miami Police Department.

Department of Defense Announces Successful Test of Army Advanced Hypersonic Weapon Concept

A first-of-its-kind glide vehicle, designed to fly within the earth’s atmosphere at hypersonic speed and long range, was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii to the Reagan Test Site, U.S. Army Kwajalein Atoll.

TSA Partners in Support of Nations Veterans

When a wounded U.S. military veteran passes through Newark Liberty International Airport, there is a good chance that Lead Transportation Security Officer Randal Habick of Brick, N.J., is alongside, serving as a personal guide through the airport.

Naval Research Laboratory's MIGHTI Selected by NASA for Potential Space Flight

A Naval Research Laboratory instrument designed to study the Earth's thermosphere is part of a future science mission that has been selected by NASA for evaluation for flight.

Pennsylvanians Receive More than a Quarter Billion Dollars in Disaster Aid

Pennsylvanians who suffered losses because of Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee have been approved for more than a quarter billion dollars in disaster relief.

Scientists to Develop New Approaches for Identifying Insider Threats Before an Incident Occurs

When a soldier in good mental health becomes homicidal or a government employee abuses access privileges to share classified information, we often wonder why no one saw it coming.

City of Houston Selects BRS Labs for Citywide Surveillance Initiative

The fourth largest city in the United States recently deployed an artificial neural network-based video surveillance analysis software to identify potential criminal or terroristic behavioral activity throughout the city.

"If You See Something, Say Something" Campaign Partners with the American Hotel & Lodging Association and LodgeNet

The new partnership between the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) “If You See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign and the AH&LA and LodgeNet—highlights the Department’s continued efforts with the private sector to ensure our nation’s safety and security.

Secret Agent Man

Secret Agent Man

The National Clandestine Service is playing a vital part in that seemingly unending fight because electronic intelligence gathering can take us only so far.

Taking Root

Taking Root

The environmental movement has been around at least since the first Earth Day in 1970, and the full advantage of green consciousness is finally being realized among some of the largest end user markets for security systems.

National Cyber Security Alliance In Partnership with Government Education Councils

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA)recently announced that on behalf of the National Cybersecurity Education Council (NCEC) it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the U.S. epartment of Education (ED) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to formally institute and promote cyber security education programs in K-12 schools, higher education, and career and technical education environments nationwide.

California Takes More Prohibited Firearms off the Streets

California Governor Jerry Brown has signed Senate Bill 819, which will allow law enforcement officers to take more firearms out of the hands of those who are prohibited from owning them.

Researchers Develop a Laser That Could Detect Roadside Bombs

A research team at Michigan State University has developed a laser that could detect roadside bombs.

Security Around the Globe

What’s up with the TSA these days? Have you noticed that officers are acting a little nicer and even asking questions about you, your travel or maybe even your job? Don’t be fooled: It’s all an act, because it’s business as usual at the airports.

IP based Physical Access Control

Organizations of all sizes are migrating from analog to IP-based physical access control solutions, drawn by increased security, increased operational efficiency and better availability.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Not for the Faint of Heart

Providing security in the government sector is not for the faint of heart or the uncommitted. The government sector requires expertise in high-level security applications, advanced compliance requirements and the challenge of securing funding.

Protecting the Corridor

This need for better image quality led GMU directly to IP-based megapixel camera technology. The university evaluated several wellknown camera suppliers before deciding on Arecont Vision.

Dont Let FIPS Give You Fits

Don't Let FIPS Give You Fits

As a result of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD- 12), smart cards are spreading rapidly through government agencies and many large organizations. The directive’s purpose is to ensure secure and reliable identification for every federal employee and government contractor.

Federal Identity

Federal Identity

When the Homeland Security Presidential Directive-12 (HSPD-12) was enacted in August 2004, government agencies embarked on the challenging task of complying with an evolving set of standards designed to ensure that all federal employees and contractors have secure and reliable forms of identification.

Orange County Deploys NLSS Gateway from Next Level Security Systems

Next Level Security Systems, a developer of a new breed of unified, networked security solutions, recently announced Orange County, Fla., has deployed the NLSS Gateway as a unified management platform for a security upgrade that will incorporate multiple public safety sites.

Quintron Systems Celebrates 40 Years of Technology Development

Its 40-year history began in the 1960s with two civilian communications specialists at Vandenberg Air Force Base.

FLIR Systems Receives $11.4 Million IDIQ Contract from NSWC

FLIR Systems Inc. has received a five-year, $11.4 million indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contract for its Recon III LocatIR system from Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) in Crane, Ind.

Evergreen Fire & Security Team Receives $697 Million Contract from United States Army

The contract will provide force protection capabilities at U.S. Army sites worldwide.

U.S. Army Awards FLIR Systems up to $50 Million Contract for Repair and Maintenance Services

Under the terms of the five year contract, the Army has placed an initial order for $10.2 million of repair and maintenance services for one year and has the option to procure an additional $39.8 million of similar services over the following four years.

Security-Net Grows Presence in Southeast with New Member, Vision Security Technologies

Vision Security Technologies provides Security-Net with geographical coverage and a strong marketing presence in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

SIA Launches New Quarterly State Policy Publication

State Policy Digest will provide a review of the previous quarter’s state legislative proposals, activities and trends impacting the electronic and physical security industry.

Amtrak Security Beefed Up for 9/11 Anniversary

More screenings of passengers and baggage, increased use of K-9 explosives detection teams, and expanded police patrols are being used across the country.

Federal Agencies Showcase First Responder Technologies

The 12th annual Technologies for Critical Incident Preparedness Conference and Expo highlighted Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security technologies and training tools currently available and being developed for the emergency response community.

Decade of Security

The 10 years since the tragedy of the Sept. 11 attacks seem to have swept by like the winds rushing down the Oklahoma plains. Do you remember where you were that day?

On The Cyberwar Path

On the Cyberwar Path

If, like me, you’re geeky enough to still recall certain scenes from 1983’s “WarGames” (and right now I can still pretty clearly see Barry Corbin as the general saying to Dabney Coleman’s character, “After very careful consideration, sir, I’ve come to the conclusion that your new defense system sucks”), then the news permeating the summer about the Pentagon publishing (in part) its first formal cyberwar strategy probably was no big surprise. In fact, the only eye-opening part might have been that prior to this summer it didn’t already have one.

Stopping the Losses

Stopping The Losses

The vital role oil refineries play in the world’s economy has put hydrocarbon and petrochemical facilities atop terrorist lists of potential targets. Additionally, refinery officials typically want to keep a critical eye on each strategic component within their facilities.

Trendy Protection

Trendy Protection

Beverly Hills, Calif., has been glamorized in countless film and television depictions as the home of the wealthy and famous. Beyond the glamour, though, it has municipal management issues much like those any city faces.

Chemical Sector Security Summit Highlights Progress on Voluntary Programs, Regulations

More than 500 partners from around the country gathered in Baltimore on July 6-7 to attend the 2011 Chemical Sector Security Summit.

Researchers Find Weakness in World's Toughest Encryption Standard

A group of Microsoft researchers announced recently that they had cracked a version of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), the world’s toughest encryption mechanism.

HID Global Launches Certified Online PIV-I Credential Service for Federal Contractors

The Web portal makes it easier to obtain government-mandated PIV-I cards.

DHS Announces More Than $2.1 Billion in Preparedness Grants

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano recently announced final allocations for 12 preparedness grant programs totaling more than $2.1 billion in federal grants to assist states, urban areas, tribal and territorial governments, non-profit agencies, and the private sector in strengthening our nation's ability to prevent, protect, respond to, recover from, and mitigate terrorist attacks, major disasters and other emergencies.

Secretary Napolitano Unveils PSAs for "If You See Something Say Something" Campaign

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano unveiled new Public Service Announcements (PSAs) for the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) "If You See Something, Say Something" public awareness campaign, aimed at educating the public on the importance of reporting suspicious activity to state and local law enforcement authorities.

Researchers Analyze Intelligence Reforms Resulting from 9/11

An analysis of national intelligence reforms in the wake of 9/11 finds a “visionary” plan that has encountered barriers in truly achieving its goals.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Webinars

New Products

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles. 3

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings. 3

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening. 3