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Smartphones now capable of detecting gas
Last week the DHS Science and Technology division showcased its latest invention, a smartphone capable of detecting dangerous gases; The device is capable of issuing an alarm to wake the phone’s owner, sending a text message to warn emergency contacts, or dialing 911 if dangerous amounts of carbon dioxide are detected
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Survey finds small biz unprepared for cyber attacks
A recent survey found that many small businesses are not prepared for cyber threats and potential data breaches
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Infrax System, Defendec to distribute Smartdec systems in U.S.
Smartdec System provides offers a solution for securing critical infrastructure assets; the battery-powered wireless system detects intruders on the perimeter of remote sites and helps to prevent vandalism, terrorism attacks, thefts, and accidents
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Securing financial infrastructure against cyberattacks
To protect the U.S. financial sector from increasingly ubiquitous and costly cyberattacks, DHS plans to work more closely with other federal agencies as well as the private sector to defend against hackers
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Self-repairing composites repair cracks in coating of buildings, bridges
Researchers have developed vascularized structural composites, creating materials that are lightweight and strong with potential for self-healing, self-cooling, metamaterials, and more; these artificial microvascular systems can self-repair of materials damage, such as cracks in a coating applied to a building or bridge
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Protecting structures against firebrand attack
NIST engineers have built a device that bellows showers of glowing embers, or firebrands, to test how structures can withstand this destructive aspects of wild fires; in Japan, where the device is now used in a test facility, firebrands are a growing peril that accounts for half of the nation’s ten most costly fires
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Connecticut town considers charging centers for power outages
Following Hurricane Irene which left thousands without power up and down the East Coast, a town in Connecticut is considering building several charging stations for residents to power up their hand held electronics during a natural disaster or prolonged power outage
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Pentagon expends cyber networks security project
The Pentagon plans to extend a cyber defense pilot program intended to help protect U.S. defense contractors from cyberattacks to more private companies, subcontractors, and industries such as power plants
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NIST offers comprehensive risk assessment guidance for federal information systems
NIST has released two new publications dealing with risk assessment; one is the authoritative source of comprehensive risk assessment guidance for federal information systems, the other, an update to a March 2011 publication, focuses exclusively on risk assessments
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InfraGard launches EMP SIG
InfraGard has launched a nationwide special interest group (SIG) — named the EMP SIG, after electromagnetic pulse — which will focus on threats that could cause nationwide long-term critical infrastructure collapse
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X-ray machine operators lack proper training, says explosives expert
Even with the increasing ubiquity of X-ray machines and other explosives detection devices, many dangerous contraband items are still passing through security checkpoints at government buildings, airports, and businesses as a result of poor training; in 2009 Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigators successfully smuggled bomb making materials into ten high-security federal buildings
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Why the Twin Towers collapsed: new theory
Materials scientist says that a mixture of water from sprinkler systems and molten aluminum from melted aircraft hulls created explosions that led to the collapse of the Twin Towers on 9/11
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Speeding skyscraper construction -- and making them stronger
Researchers are working on a new technique that could speed construction of skyscrapers while also providing enough stiffness and strength to withstand earthquakes and forces from high winds
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Sector Report for Monday, 19 September 2011: Infrastructure protection
This report contains the following stories.
Plus 1 additional story.
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Cyber attacks on U.S. are becoming more lethal
The head of the U.S. Cyber Command said that cyber attacks on the United States are escalating from large-scale theft and disruption of computer operations to more lethal attacks that destroy systems and physical equipment
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The long view
Helping Strengthen America’s Critical Infrastructure
Everyday life depends on a robust infrastructure network that provides access to running water, communications technology and electricity, among other basic necessities. The experts who keep our national infrastructure secure and resilient also need a strong network to share their knowledge and train the next generation of professionals capable of solving complex infrastructure challenges.
AI and the Future of the U.S. Electric Grid
Despite its age, the U.S. electric grid remains one of the great workhorses of modern life. Whether it can maintain that performance over the next few years may determine how well the U.S. competes in an AI-driven world.