Homeland Security


The Fight for Immigration Reform

Immigration is one of those controversial issues that touch on many aspects of American life. It's challenging because on one hand, there are those who come to the United States to seek a better life. But in doing so, they are breaking the law. Three people believe they have the answers to resolve this issue, and oddly enough, all three want to be president of the United States.

Final Land, Sea Rule Of WHTI Released

The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State announced recently the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a core 9/11 Commission recommendation.

Cincinnati Mall Uses IP Video Surveillance To Protect Shoppers

Northgate Mall in Cincinnati, Ohio has installed an IP video CCTV surveillance system from IndigoVision as part of a recent renovation.

Second National Fusion Center Conference Fosters Greater Collaboration

More than 900 federal, state and local law enforcement and homeland security officials recently attended the National Fusion Center Conference in Washington, D.C. to further the U.S. government’s plans to create a seamless network of these centers.

Florida Uses Integrated Solution For Transit Worker Identity Card System

The state of Florida is using an integrated identity and credential management solution for all 12 deepwater seaports and the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles headquarters as the backbone of its transit worker identity card system.

DHS, Emergency Interoperability Consortium Announce Alliance To Help First Responders

An agreement between the Emergency Interoperability Consortium (EIC) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has been signed to help further the continued development of data sharing standards for the emergency response community.

Florida Port Deploys Technology To Prevent Underwater Threats

Coda Octopus Group Inc. recently announced the first deployment in the United States by a local law enforcement agency since the 9/11 attacks of a new generation of port security technology to respond to underwater threats.

Potomac Basin Security System Uses Video Analytics

Agent Vi, developer of enterprise video analytics software to improve security, business intelligence and operations, recently announced that it has partnered with national systems engineering firm Abeo Technical Solutions LLC to provide video analytics software for the Potomac Basin Security System project.



TSA Canine Program To Enhance Air Cargo Security

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently announced a new canine program to enhance explosives detection capabilities in air cargo facilities nationwide.

A Global Shift

If you don’t think the aftermath of Sept. 11, 2001, continues to have strong repercussions throughout the world, then you haven’t traveled much in the last six years. Security is still the word du jour—perhaps even more so as time goes on. Transportation venues continue to protect themselves from terrorist threats.

An Insider's Retrospective

This marks my final column as the Homeland Security Insider. Demands on my time have become so great that I need to pass this responsibility on to someone else. Over the past several years, we have witnessed many changes in how we secure our safety, freedoms and rights. Now is a good time to think about where we are and how we move forward.

Center Helps Contribute To DHS BioWatch Early Warning System

Say you’re an emergency response manager for a high-profile transportation facility. Among other responsibilities, you’re charged with overseeing the biodetection system at your facility and knowing how to respond if a detector goes off. What if said detectors do, indeed, sound an alarm, suggesting something may be amiss? What’s your next move?

Researchers Develop Wide-Angle, Gigapixel Camera For Surveillance

Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville have developed a wide-angle camera that will be able to provide security forces with the ability to monitor large areas through high-resolution images taken from a satellite or an airborne craft.

United States, Germany Agree To Share Fingerprint Databases, Information On Terrorists

Officials from the United States and Germany recently initialed a bilateral agreement related to sharing access to biometric data and spontaneous sharing of data about known and suspected terrorists.

DHS Conducts Cyber Storm II To Examine Preparedness, Response Capabilities

Cyber Storm II is the second in a series of congressionally mandated exercises that will examine the nation’s cyber security preparedness and response capabilities. The exercise will simulate a coordinated cyber attack on information technology, communications, chemical, and transportation systems and assets.

San Diego Harbor Police Deploy Automated Vehicle Location Service

BIO-key International recently Inc. announced the award of a contract from the San Diego Harbor Police Department (San Diego Harbor PD) to deploy the company's automated vehicle location (AVL) capability in its patrol vehicles.

Bay Area Law Enforcement Agencies Use Web Site To Share Crime Information With Public

A partnership between four San Francisco Bay Area law enforcement agencies and software developer Public Engines is putting near real-time local crime information just a few clicks away on the Internet.

Air Sterilization Technology Closer To Protecting Against Biological Agents

A powerful air sterilization technology developed at the University at Buffalo has killed every biological agent with which it has been challenged, including airborne spores, viruses and bacteria in independent tests conducted for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Texas University Joins LearnSafe Initiative

MDI Inc. recently announced the LearnSafe Initiative would begin providing services immediately to the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), which is one of the largest private institutions in Texas and the largest Catholic university in the state.

Florida Police Department Deploys Wireless Mesh Network

The West Palm Beach Police Department in Florida now has “digital eyes” on the streets of the largest and busiest city in Palm Beach County. The police department has set up a wireless video surveillance network powered by Firetide, a developer of wireless mesh and access networks.

Featured

  • AI Is Now the Leading Cybersecurity Concern for Security, IT Leaders

    Arctic Wolf recently published findings from its State of Cybersecurity: 2025 Trends Report, offering insights from a global survey of more than 1,200 senior IT and cybersecurity decision-makers across 15 countries. Conducted by Sapio Research, the report captures the realities, risks, and readiness strategies shaping the modern security landscape. Read Now

  • Analysis of AI Tools Shows 85 Percent Have Been Breached

    AI tools are becoming essential to modern work, but their fast, unmonitored adoption is creating a new kind of security risk. Recent surveys reveal a clear trend – employees are rapidly adopting consumer-facing AI tools without employer approval, IT oversight, or any clear security policies. According to Cybernews Business Digital Index, nearly 90% of analyzed AI tools have been exposed to data breaches, putting businesses at severe risk. Read Now

  • Software Vulnerabilities Surged 61 Percent in 2024, According to New Report

    Action1, a provider of autonomous endpoint management (AEM) solutions, today released its 2025 Software Vulnerability Ratings Report, revealing a 61% year-over-year surge in discovered software vulnerabilities and a 96% spike in exploited vulnerabilities throughout 2024, amid an increasingly aggressive threat landscape. Read Now

  • Motorola Solutions Named Official Safety Technology Supplier of the Ryder Cup through 2027

    Motorola Solutions has today been named the Official Safety Technology Supplier of the 2025 and 2027 Ryder Cup, professional golf’s renowned biennial team competition between the United States and Europe. Read Now

  • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies

    Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 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.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.