3D Printed Guns Topic of Bulletin from Homeland Security to Law Enforcement

3D Printed Guns Topic of Bulletin from Homeland Security to Law Enforcement

Well, looks like 3D printed guns are making the headlines again. This time, even the Department of Homeland Security seems hopeless when it comes to preventing 3D printed guns from being made, not to mention making it past security checkpoints. The department fears that 3D printed gun control efforts will be useless should their manufacture become more widespread, making it “impossible” to stop or even control.

A couple of days ago, a department-distributed bulletin arrived at state and federal law enforcement agencies, stating that 3D printed guns “poses public safety risks” and are likely beyond the current reach of regulators and regulations.

According to one law enforcement source, “The only security procedure to catch [3D printed guns] is a pat down,” since magnetometers could fail to detect them.

3D Printed Guns Topic of Bulletin from Homeland Security to Law EnforcementThe bulletin specifically honed in on a nonprofit company, Defense Distributed, started by University of Texas law student, Cody Wilson, who has not only successfully printed a 3D gun, which he nicknamed “The Liberator,” but fired it as well. And, of course, Wilson felt the need to share, so plans for how to make “The Liberator” were available for free download, until the U.S. State Department told the organization to stop sharing the file, but only after the plans were downloaded approximately 100,000 times.

Containing phrases like “poses public safety risks” and “limiting access may be impossible,” neither of which sound too confident, the bulletin mentions the following concerns:

  • Though prohibited by law, the metal insert may be deliberately omitted;
  • Future designs could entirely eliminate metal components;
  • 3D guns can be made without serial numbers, which hinders ballistic testing; and
  • Improvements in technology leading to cheaper 3D printers could make printed guns easier to acquire.

Plus, even if there is legislation in place that bans 3D printed guns, online distribution of digital files is difficult to control. Think about illegally traded music, movies and software.

So, my fellow Americans, I pose this question: “are we ready for pat downs?”

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/05/23/govt-memo-warns-3d-printed-guns-may-be-impossible-to-stop/

Featured

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • HID Signo Readers

    HID Signo Readers

    HID Global has announced its HID® Signo™ Biometric Reader 25B that is designed to capture and read fingerprints in real-world applications and conditions. 3

  • Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo Home Security System

    Kangaroo is the affordable, easy-to-install home security system designed for anyone who wants an added layer of peace of mind and protection. It has several products, ranging from the fan-favorite Doorbell Camera + Chime, to the more comprehensive Front Door Security Kit with Professional Monitoring. Regardless of the level of desired security, Kangaroo’s designed to move with consumers - wherever that next chapter may be. Motion sensors, keypads and additional features can be part of the package to any Kangaroo system in place, anytime. Additionally, Kangaroo offers scalable protection plans with a variety of benefits ranging from 24/7 professional monitoring to expanded cloud storage, coverage for damage and theft. 3

  • XS4 Original+

    XS4 Original+

    The SALTO XS4 Original+ design is based on the same proven housing and mechanical mechanisms of the XS4 Original. The XS4 Original+, however, is embedded with SALTO’s BLUEnet real-time functionality and SVN-Flex capability that enables SALTO stand-alone smart XS4 Original+ locks to update user credentials directly at the door. Compatible with the array of SALTO platform solutions including SALTO Space data-on-card, SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access solution, and SALTO’s JustIn Mobile technology for digital keys. The XS4 Original+ also includes RFID Mifare DESFire, Bluetooth LE and NFC technology functionality. 3