• Otto Hoernig launches new sensor networking firm

    Hoernig previously sold SpaceLink International for $150 million; Trace Systems, based in Virginai, will pursue business with DHS and DoD; market for wireless sensors to reach $1 billion by 2009

  • EU launches infrastructure protection package

    An EU commission fashions what it calls “horizontal framework” which will offer better and more effective campaign to protect of EU critical infrastructures such as transport and communications

  • AIG buys DPW’s port management contracts

    Earlier in the year a firestorm broke out when it was disclosed that the Bush administration had approved a deal in which a UAE-based company would acquire the management of major U.S. seaports from a U.K-based company; after a month of heated debate, major portions of the deal were restructured to minimize DPW’s access to more sensitive areas at the ports; now, AIG has acquired DPW contracts, and critics of the original deal are happy; DPW is also happy: It was hoping to realize about $700 million on the deal, but sources close to the negotiations say that the final price tag would be “comfortably” above the $1 billion mark

  • Trace Systems eyes growing wireless sensor network market

    The wireless sensor network market is growing by leaps and bounds, and this Virginia-based company wants to be a major player in it

  • Sandia develops an imporved sensor network

    The future — well, a part of it at least — belongs to sensor networks; rsearchers at Sandia Natioal Lab have developed the unattended ground sensor (UGS), and system whcih combines off-the-shelf components with in-house developed elements to create a better andre useful network; investors and manufacturers may want to make the lab an offer for the technology

  • DHS inspector general turns up the heat

    Arrest and conviction rates for post-Katrina contracting fraud are skryrocketing, even as total complaints decrease; impressive new zealousness strikes fear into the unethical, but the lawyers are happy; DHS has more than 2,500 open cases pending

  • IBM gives Cook County a boost with cruiser-linked infrastructure surveillance

    Cameras from Panasonic and Pelco are wirelessly connected to in-car screens and DVRs; Project Shield aims to protect 126 sites at a cost of only $900,000

  • Research shows early detection of earthquake magnitude possible

    Italian researchers find string correlation between strength of primary wave and the damage resulting from the secondary wave; basic math now permits 10-15 seconds warning time for those near the epicenter; early warning could trigger emergency response mechanisms

  • Los Alamos looks to create self-disabling nuclear warheads

    Under a secret three year program, scientists have been working on methods to automatically destroy a warhead if it is stolen or tampered with; though details are secret, method might involve an acid that destroys the mechanisms and contaminates the radiactive core

  • DoE inspector general rips into Los Alamos

    Gregory Friedman notes severe inadequecies in cybersecurity and document management procedures; recent breaches spark review and needed changes; a look back in time shows security a longtime problem at the lab; reminiscing with Richard Feynman presents needed context

  • Maine to host maritime security course for first responders

    Classes will take place at the Maine Maritime Academy in Castine; the 100 expected participants were chosen by local emergency authorities; pilot program may establish Maine course as the nationwide gold standard

  • PCII takes on new partners, issues new rules

    Protected Critical Infrastructure Information brings aboard Massachusetts, California, Texas, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission; new rules address privacy and data submission concerns

  • Canada Foundation for Innovation awards homeland security grants

    Research into protecting infrastructure and developing new energy sources receive special attention; hundreds of million of Canadian dollars awarded for a wide range of scientific endeavors; Universities of Toronto and Calgary among winners

  • Error rates cause havoc for TWIC roll-out

    One percent error rate is fine for HSPD-12, but FIPS-201 sensitivity may cause problems at ports; long lines and delays are expected, and port officials are steaming

  • Control Products seeks patent for anti-RPG parachute

    System is launched from rocket tubes attached to a vehicle or arrayed around a perimeter; Kevlar parachutes snag incoming RPGs; reloading as simple as replacing rockets