Homeland Security


The Turning Point

CRITICAL infrastructure organizations, including airports, seaports, energy manufacturing facilities and telecommunications networks, are essential to functioning of societies and economies.

ID'ed Indeed

NATIONAL identification cards were being promoted long before the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, as a means to identify potential terrorists, curb illegal immigration and thwart criminal activity. Countries around the world are already using national ID cards. Singapore recently implemented Singapore Personal Access, or “SingPass,” an ID used for e-government services. Germany uses an encrypted biometric national ID. Malaysia established “Mykad,” a universal-purpose ID card, and no less than a dozen other countries have issued contracts to develop the infrastructure to support a national ID card.



Securing the Friendly Skies

ANYWHERE in the world, most security and intelligence officers will agree that transportation security is about managing risk. It's about detecting potential threats as early as possible, reacting appropriately and mitigating the ripple effects, all the while focusing on simplifying travel for billions of passengers who do not warrant concern.

Protecting Mobility

FROM Barcelona to Berlin and all across Europe, workers today need to access corporate information outside the workplace. Remote access frees workers from the restrictions of the corporate work environment. By working from any location and at any time, employees can collaborate more effectively, work more efficiently and ultimately be much more productive.

Going With the Flow

All Eyes on the Road

A heightened sense of awareness of threats that face the United States has placed ongoing pressure at a national, state and local level to keep citizens safe from terrorism, as well as natural disasters and other unplanned events.

Closing the Loop

THE security industry has a long and proud history of working side by side with the government to develop new technologies that result in an improved way of life for Americans. While commercial security products and practices have deep affiliation with both government applications, military and non-military, a new breed of security concerns gave birth to new security requirements and solutions–especially those pertaining to border control.

Homeland Security Insider

A few hours after taking control of Congress and following 12 years of Republican dominance, House Democrats announced a plan they say will strengthen homeland security. Accusing Republicans of neglect, Democrats on the Homeland Security Committee say their plan will implement the unfinished 9/11 Commission recommendations; require private companies to prepare for terrorism; require the government to inspect cargo on passenger planes; and require all cargo containers carried on ships to be scanned and sealed before leaving for an American port.

Visit with the Shrink

TO a significant extent, shrink can be predicted and tamed with targeted security resources, institutional awareness and effective, operationally feasible countermeasures. In statistical analysis, the goal is to explain variation and to determine what part of that variation is systematic and predictable.

Teaming Up

NAVIGATING the world of federal government contracts can be a head-spinning operation for even the most committed and headstrong business. But for many, working with the federal government, especially with the constantly growing Department of Homeland Security, is too big a proposition to pass up. With 183,000 employees and a budget of more than $42.7 billion in fiscal year 2007, DHS is the third-largest cabinet department in the federal government and a target for many companies to garner new business.

Homeland Security Insider

FOUR years in the making, the drive to implement HSPD-12 at long last began by issuing smart identification cards last October. Every federal agency has now opened at least one facility where employees can go to get personal identification verification (PIV) cards fitted to the strict criteria of FIPS 201. This year, federal agencies will begin to activate a massive interoperable system of card readers in which any agency's readers will be able to read and process cards presented by any and all federal employees -- no matter what agency employs them.

Fusion Frenzy

U.S. airports with one or more checkpoint areas, security officials have probably never thought of themselves as ID managers.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.