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Intelligence

DHS Cyber and Rodney Dangerfield: Looking for Respect

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January 27, 2010

The late, legendary comedian Rodney Dangerfield long complained about getting “no respect.” After attending Wednesday morning’s Government Executive Leadership Series breakfast, “Cyber Security: Who Leads,” DHS may feel like using Rodney’s most memorable line to describe its placement in the federal cyber world. In what was a first-class discussion of the challenges and issues compounding the federal and international cyber-security environment, nary a word was mentioned about DHS and the role they play in leading the country’s cyber security efforts.

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Failed Bomber and the Use of Whole Body Imaging

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January 7, 2010

Now that the Administration has fully engaged in evaluating the systems failures, which allowed Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, a Nigerian Islamic terrorist, to board a US airliner with a bomb concealed in his underwear, I feel compelled to contribute my insight. Based on 33 years flying large transport aircraft worldwide for both the US Air Force and a major US airline and concurrently being an aviation security and operations expert, I see the return of many old issues.

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Six Predictions for the 2010 Cyber World

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January 6, 2010

Once again, I join with my blogging colleagues in offering some predictions for the coming year. I have kept it to six, so as not to get carried away, and I kept them general, so I have a better chance of being right. Some are nearly no-brainers, but several are definitely going out on a limb. I will let the readers judge if I am “sawing” on the correct side or not.

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Security Debrief Experts in CQ Homeland Security

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January 6, 2010

Congressional Quarterly surveyed homeland security experts, a number of whom are contributors to Security Debrief, on the state and future of homeland security. Some of their views on the Obama administration’s best move in homeland security in 2009 are provided here.

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Asa Hutchinson on Aviation Security After Failed Christmas Day Bombing

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January 5, 2010

Security Debrief contributor Asa Hutchinson was quoted on an NBC story about aviation security in the aftermath of Umar Abdulmutallab’s failed attempt to detonate a bomb aboard the Detroit-bound Northwest Flight 253 on December 25. Here are some excerpts from the story recapped by First Coast News.

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Information-Sharing, Accountability Issues Plague U.S. Intelligence

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January 5, 2010

Information-Sharing, Accountability Issues Plague U.S. Intelligence | CQ Homeland Security
Despite laws enacted since Sept. 11, 2001, that sought to ensure swift and reliable information-sharing among intelligence agencies, the Christmas airliner attack has cast a glaring light on lapses in cooperation.

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More Questions on Homeland Security and Flight 253

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January 3, 2010

Never one to pass up sticking my nose in the middle of an argument I can’t resist commenting on fellow bloggers Stewart Baker’s, David Olive’s and Sam Rosenfeld’s posts. Continuing the “questions” theme, policy musing and debates, like Stewart and David’s, are necessary for oversight committees and policy staff. What we haven’t solved are the less glamorous logistical problems, the unpopular questions about risk, and the truth about what technology can or can’t do for us. These are issues that need to be solved or answered before realizing a robust security system.

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The System Worked? Government Blinders on Homeland Security

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December 27, 2009

I was dismayed by the Obama Administration’s claim that our security apparatus worked in terms of foiling the intended attack by Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab on Detroit-bound Northwest Flight 253. To quote Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, “One thing I’d like to point out is that the system worked.” No, what we have witnessed was a monumental failure of the system.

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Terror Suspect Failed a Test

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December 10, 2009

Terror Suspect Failed a Test – The Wall Street Journal
Terror suspect David Headley was questioned by an airport inspector in August and deceptive answers about his travels abroad helped officials begin to unravel Mr. Headley’s alleged double life. The 49-year-old Chicago man was charged this week for helping plot the terror attack in Mumbai a year ago that killed 166 people.

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Harvard Business School Hosts a Cyberposium

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December 9, 2009

In November, the Harvard Business School hosted its annual Tech Conference, the “Cyberposium,” focusing on this year on the “digital storm” and addressing the cutting-edge challenges that the U.S. faces. The purpose of the event was to give its top-notch business students exposure to key issues they will face as they go out and act as leaders of American and international business.

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