Homeland Security


a federal building

Homeland Insecurity

A recently issued report from the Government Accountability Office presented some alarming findings regarding security features in federal facilities.

new_york_city

The Watchmen of Gotham

Modeled after London’s “Ring of Steel,” New York City’s Lower Manhattan Security Initiative covers Battery Park to Canal Street -- and when completed, will include more than 3,000 security cameras, 100 license plate reading devices and chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear detectors. All data streams into the Security Coordination Center and is monitored by the NYPD Counterterrorism Bureau.

Port Of Long Beach Deploys IP-Based Command And Control Center

Activu Corp., a provider in command and control room solutions for homeland security and emergency management announces the successful deployment of a new Joint Command and Control Center for the Port of Long Beach, Calif.

iris_recognition

NIST Test Proves 'The Eyes Have It' For ID Verification

A new report by computer scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology demonstrates that iris recognition algorithms can maintain their accuracy and interoperability with compact images, affirming their potential for large-scale identity management applications.

Survey: 75 Percent Of Homeland Security Professionals Expect 9/11-Type Of Attack In Next Five Years

While a majority (57 percent) of Homeland Security professionals say America is safer now than it was before the September 11 attacks, 75 percent believe the country will experience a similar terrorist attack in the next five years -- and Americans aren’t prepared, according to a recent survey commissioned by the National Homeland Defense Foundation and Colorado Technical University.

World Trade Center

A Crack in Time

As we all know, the events of Sept. 11 changed the security industry—and the world—forever. Ten years ago, there was no such thing as the Department of Homeland Security, and transportation security was unrecognizable from what it's become. Today, terrorism and security are consistently popular topics within government policy and in the media. Clearly, it was a day that reinforced the importance of security forever.

GE Security Provides Integrated Solution For San Diego Military Housing Facility

GE Security Inc. recently announced that the Pacific Beacon apartments in San Diego, the first privatized community for enlisted single sailors in the country, is being protected by GE Security’s integrated access control and fire/life safety solutions.

Seaports Need More Safeguards Against Bio/Chem Weapons

U.S. Customs and Border Protection should issue guidance for inspecting cargo arriving in U.S. seaports for biological and chemical threats, the department's inspector general said.



New York, In Full Glory

ISC East 2009 has to be considered a complete success. Aisles were packed with end users and integrators, and exhibitors had their “A” game on one.

ISC East Bustling With Activity

I missed ISC East in 2008, but it has certainly been worth it this year. As always, New York is alive and in full bloom and the tradeshow is bristling with activity. I’m sure glad I’m here.

Poll: Low Awareness Of DHS National Emergency Communications Plan

CDW Government Inc. recently released its 2009 Emergency Communications Report: Awareness and Progress Toward the National Emergency Communications Plan. The report benchmarks progress toward meeting the goals outlined in the Department of Homeland Security National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP), identifies key challenges and highlights lessons learned.

Schneider Electric To Provide Wireless Video Surveillance System For Pennsylvania Town

The city of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., has awarded Schneider Electric a $2 million contract for a wireless video surveillance system. Schneider Electric will design, install and maintain a network of more than 200 digital surveillance cameras located throughout the city’s downtown area, commercial areas, school zones, parks and parking garages.

Poll: 96 Percent Of Americans Support Using Video Surveillance In Public Places To Fight Terrorism

A recent Harris Poll survey indicates that 96 percent of U.S citizens feel the federal government and law enforcement agencies should be able to use video surveillance in an effort to counteract terrorism and help protect U.S. citizens in specific public places.

Axis Network Cameras To Secure Sydney Suburban Rail Fleet

Axis Communications recently announced it has won the contract to supply network cameras for Sydney’s new Waratah train suburban fleet. The total installation order is estimated at about 7,000 network cameras.

ICx Technologies Providing Bio-Threat Agent Detection System To DHS

ICx Technologies Inc.a developer of advanced sensor technologies for homeland security, force protection and commercial applications, announced recently that it has been awarded a Department of Homeland Security contract to participate in a FY2010 mass transit security pilot program.

Researchers Create Radio Waves That ‘See’ Through Walls, Could Have Security Applications

University of Utah engineers showed that a wireless network of radio transmitters can track people moving behind solid walls. The system could help police, firefighters and others nab intruders, and rescue hostages, fire victims and elderly people who fall in their homes. It also might help retail marketing and border control.

Beijing Metro Expands IP Video, Adds Support For Analytics

NICE Systems Ltd. Recently announced that it has been selected by Beijing Metro in China to provide NICE's IP video solution, with support for content analytics at certain project locales, to enhance safety and security at the 24 stations of its Line 15 route.

Australian Customs Service Selects Network Video Solution From March Networks, Sun Microsystems

March Networks, a provider of intelligent IP video and business analysis applications, announced recently that the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service has selected the Company's VideoSphere solution to enhance its security operations in multiple airports across the country.

Nevada Naval Station Increases Security With Biometrics

Naval Air Station Fallon has implemented the RAPIDGate Program to increase security and streamline access for the thousands of vendors, suppliers, service providers and contractors who access the installation.

TSA Names Federal Security Director At JFK Airport

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has named Michael A. Scott as federal security director (FSD) for New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Featured

  • 2025 Security LeadHER Conference Program Announced

    ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) – the leading membership associations for the security industry – have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference, a special event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The third annual Security LeadHER conference will be held Monday, June 9 – Tuesday, June 10, 2025, at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan. This carefully crafted program represents a comprehensive professional development opportunity for women in security this year. To view the full lineup at this year’s event, please visit securityleadher.org. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Report: 82 Percent of Phishing Emails Used AI

    KnowBe4, the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, today launched its Phishing Threat Trend Report, detailing key trends, new data, and threat intelligence insights surrounding phishing threats targeting organizations at the start of 2025. Read Now

  • NRF Supports Federal Bill to Thwart Retail Crime

    The National Retail Federation recently announced its support for the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025. The act was introduced by Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio. Read Now

  • ISC West 2025 Brings Almost 29,000 Industry Professionals to Las Vegas

    ISC West 2025, organized by RX and in collaboration with the Security Industry Association, concluded at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas last week. The nation’s leading comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals and left a lasting impression on the global security community. Over five action-packed days, ISC West welcomed more than 19,000 attendees and featured 750 exhibiting brands. Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West
  • Tradeshow Work Can Be Fun

    While at ISC West last week, I ran into numerous friends and associates all of which was a pleasant experience. The first question always seemed to be, “How many does this make for you?” Read Now

    • Industry Events
    • ISC West

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • 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.

  • 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.