• FEMA's still struggles with IT security issues

    DHS’s IG reports that “These issues collectively limit FEMA’s ability to ensure that critical financial and operational data is maintained in a manner to ensure confidentiality, integrity and availability”

  • Bullet-tagging technology to help combat crime

    U.K. researchers develop new bullet-tagging technology: tags are applied to gun cartridges by being embedded in cartridge coatings made from polylactic acid, sucrose ester, and tetrahydrofuran; the tags attach themselves to the hands or gloves of anyone handling the cartridge, but a portion of the tag remains on the cartridge even after it has been fired, making it possible to make a definite link between a cartridge fired during a crime and whoever handled it

  • Battle rages over Baltimore port security

    Congress mandates that port security equipment purchased with DHS grants must be produced in the United States; DHS argues that if better equipment is produced by non-U.S. company, it should be allowed to buy it; the debate intensifies

  • 2001 anthrax attacks chief suspect kills himself

    Bruce Ivins, the FBI’s chief suspect in the 2001 anthrax attacks — after the previous main suspect, Steven Hatfill, has been exonerated — commits suicide; scientist kills himself after being told that the government was about to file criminal charges against him

  • Sharp increase in "zero-day" exploits

    Cyber-criminals are adopting new automation techniques and strategies that allow them to exploit vulnerabilities much faster than ever before

  • New simulation tool for handling hazardous situations

    Irish, Israeli companies develop new simulation tool which immerse trainees in a scene which has been designed for them; new tool will help first responders and law enforcement familiarize themselves with situations before they occur

  • New Zealand to use biometrics to monitor immigration

    Technology will allow border control staff to conduct biometric checks on inbound and outbound passengers

  • Exporting biometrics outside the U.S. by the book

    The U.S. government controls the export of biometric hardware, software, and technologies; U.S. biometric companies would be wise to comply with the various control regulations

  • New rules for private guards

    Some 1,000 security companies operate in Greece, employing 50,000 people and making 90 million euros a year; the Greek parliament wants to tighten control of these companies

  • Security research

    Imperial College London launches the Institute for Security Science and Technology; new outfit will research techniques for preventing identity theft to safeguarding transport infrastructure, energy supplies, and communication networks

  • DHS awards $1.8 billion in preparedness grants

    DHS will award approximately $3 billion in Fiscal Year 2008 for preparedness; department has provided roughly $25 billion in grants since Fiscal Year 2002 to state, local, and tribal governments, as well as non-profit organizations

  • New crime: Forged eye biometrics recognition stamps

    How accurate is iris scanning biometric technology? read on: Three individuals are arresed at the Dubai airport for smuggling forged eye biometrics recognition stamps; the criminals’ goal: to facilitate the entry to the UAE of individuals who were previously banned

  • US-VISIT

    James Jasinski, CEO, Cogent Systems, comments on a young program that is discharging an immense responsibility

  • U.S. updates Worldwide Caution information

    New update supersedes the January one; it offers information on the continuing threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and interests throughout the world

  • ACLU: Terrorist Watch List hits one million names

    ACLU claims terrorist watch list reached one million names; launches online watch list complaint form