Government Security


Riding Shotgun - Mobile computer systems are proving themselves vital to the future of public safety

Riding Shotgun

Its deputies in the field were being asked to make do with an old, end-of-life mobile data terminal (MDT) system that it had been using for more than two decades.

Covering Oyster Bay - Wayward tropical storm blitzes New York coastline emergency phones intact

Covering Oyster Bay

The town of Oyster Bay, part of the New York metropolitan area, is the only town in Nassau County that extends from the North Shore to the South Shore of Long Island.

The Four Cs of Success - Committing leadership and resources is a top priority

The Four C's of Success

When selecting a partner for your government security program, it’s important to keep in mind the four C’s that lead to success: commitment, compliance, coverage and communication.

Security Products Announces Winners of 2012 Govies Government Security Awards

Security Products magazine, the only integrated product magazine reaching the entire security market, today announced the winners of its 2012 “Govies” Government Security Awards, which honor outstanding government products in a variety of categories.

Smart Card Alliance Workshop Educates About PIV Credentials

The Smart Card Alliance will offer an all-day workshop from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at ISC West that will educate about PIV, PIV-I and CIV specifications and the physical and logical access applications that the standards can support in a converged credentialing program.

3M Cogent Biometric Access Control Readers Approved to Authenticate TWIC Credentials

3M Cogent’s biometric access control readers have successfully completed the United States Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Initial Capability Evaluation (ICE) assessment. 3M Cogent’s MiY-ID and MiY-Card biometric readers are now listed on the TWIC ICE Fixed Reader list.

Student Uses Graphene Foam to Detect Subtle Traces of Hazardous Gases Explosives

Fazel Yavari has developed a new sensor to detect extremely small quantities of hazardous gases. The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute doctoral student harnessed the power of the world’s thinnest material, graphene, to create a device that is durable, inexpensive to make, and incredibly sensitive.

When Your Ship Comes In

Every day, thousands of cargo containers from around the world pass through our nation’s sea ports carrying items we need, and possibly some that are not so welcome: drugs, explosives, chemical, biological, or radiological weapons -- even human cargo. The possible concealment of such items in containers led lawmakers to call for the screening of all ocean cargo containers -- thousands per port per day.



Power Hungry

Except when an event such as the infamous 2003 blackout in the northeast takes place, the nation's electric grid isn't something most of us think much about. But maybe we should.

New Zealand Airport Deploys March Network Technology

March Networks, a global provider of intelligent IP video solutions, recently announced that Christchurch International Airport Ltd. in New Zealand has standardized on the company’s IP video surveillance solution to support safety and security requirements across its operations.

SightLogix Solution Featured on ABC World News Tonight

SightLogix Inc., was recognized on ABC World News with Diane Sawyer. The story, which aired on Friday, March 2, highlighted that 1,300 perimeter intrusions have occurred at US airports since September 11, 2001 and how airports are deploying technology to combat the potential for security breaches. ABC News discovered SightLogix while researching proven technologies for airport perimeters.

City of Denver to Expand Traffic Wireless Video Surveillance Network

Mountain Secure Systems (MSS) announced recently that it will provide additional Summit Series wireless network radios to the City of Denver’s Public Works Traffic Operations.

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.

Featured

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

  • ASIS International Introduces New ANSI-Approved Investigations Standard

    • Guard Services
  • Cloud Security Alliance Brings AI-Assisted Auditing to Cloud Computing

    The Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), the world’s leading organization dedicated to defining standards, certifications, and best practices to help ensure a secure cloud computing environment, today introduced an innovative addition to its suite of Security, Trust, Assurance and Risk (STAR) Registry assessments with the launch of Valid-AI-ted, an AI-powered, automated validation system. The new tool provides an automated quality check of assurance information of STAR Level 1 self-assessments using state-of-the-art LLM technology. Read Now

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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.