• Snake-like robots to help in search and rescue missions

    Robots can perform many missions, but they have difficulties operating on uneven, obstacle-strewn surfaces; Norwegian researchers develop a snake-like robot, equipped with sensors, cameras, and communication gear, to slither under, over, and around the rubble of collapsed buildings in search of trapped victims, chemical and biological agents, unexploded munitions, and more — and report back to the command center in real-time

  • Color-coded map identifies cities at risk from bioterrorism

    Vulnerability to bioterrorism involves three dimensions of risk — social aspects, natural hazards, and construction of the city and its infrastructure’ new map captures these variables as they apply to U.S. cities

  • Pointer Telocation shows Cellocator CelloTrack

    The GPS-based asset tracking market is growing, and a specialist introduces an advanced system to help companies in asset management, inventory control, loss prevention, and security

  • 3n, Medworxx show hospital incident management solution

    Simulation and virtualization are growing in popularity, and two companies compile their offerings to enable hospitals to simulate different scenarios and prepare for them; system also allows medical centers to mange these incidents

  • Rating vendors' information security

    A new Moody’s service aims to create the security world’s equivalent of Aaa to C ratings, replacing the need for companies to do individual vendor assessments; it would only work if enough companies sign up

  • Firms concerned about business continuity

    More than 85 percent of companies surveyed claimed that threats to business continuity have grown more intense over the past twelve months; one key variable of level of corporate preparedness: CEO’s attention to the issue

  • Robots designed to search disaster areas for survivors

    Researchers to build robot that uses vision and tactile sensors to navigate homes, buildings, and the outdoors; robot will be equipped with a small camera and a vision algorithm that will allow it to see, recognize and avoid running into objects; goal is to send swarms of these robots to crawl over the rubble of disaster areas in search of survivors

  • MPRI to help CDC prepare for disasters

    Simulation and virtualization are becoming more popular as tools for preparedness; MPRI, a subsidiary of L-3 company, will use its simulation and training expertise to help CDC prepare for all-hazard disasters, including bioterrorism and pandemic outbreaks

  • Experts: Australia must take lead on climate change

    Australia is more economically vulnerable than any other wealthy nation to the effects of global warming; new report says: “Australia would be a big loser — possibly the biggest loser among developed nations — from unmitigated climate change”

  • How to protect corporate secrets from outsiders -- and insiders

    A secret can be lost in the blink of an eye, but getting information back under wraps can take forever; John Edwards offers a few useful tips on how corporations can become more secure

  • New intellectual property database launched

    INTERPOL to launch Database on International Intellectual Property (DIIP) crime; it will maintain reliable data on the scale of counterfeiting and piracy to determine more clearly the nature of crimes against brand and copyright integrity

  • Majority of U.K. companies consider new continuity standard

    Security legislation, rising insurance premiums, investor focus on risk, and increased outsourcing prompt U.K. companies to consider being certified as complying with new British standard for business continuity

  • Business pushes for department for business continuity management

    In the U.K., government responsibility for business continuity and recovery policies is divided among BERR to the Cabinet Office, Communities and Local Government, Culture, Media and Sport, Defense, Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Health, Work and Pensions, Justice and Transport ministries; continuity experts argue it is time to create a Department for Business Continuity Management

  • Textual analysis reveals corporate fraud

    The textual analysis technique can be used to identify language patterns in management communications which are inconsistent with either the company’s financial performance or with the communications of other companies in the same industry, indicating fraud

  • BT offers new voice continuity solution

    Disasters have demonstrated that in an emergency communication is key, and the resilience of the voice network is vital to the continuation and survival of the business; BT offers a new continuity solution