Security Debrief

Stability in Syria Requires Partition

May 7, 2013

The civil war in Syria may have begun in March 2011 with peaceful protests against regime policies, but it is now unquestionably a brutal sectarian conflict characterized by massacres and ethnic cleansing. It is now clear that the Syrian humpty dumpty, with its mix of Sunnis, Alawis, Christians, Druze, Kurds, Ismailis, and other communities, cannot be put back together again. One action that could potentially bring stability and advancement to Syria is partition.

Why April Seems To Attract Violence and Tragedy

Justin Hienz |

May 6, 2013

The fallout from the Boston bombings three weeks ago continues to impact national security. The country has a renewed enthusiasm for homeland security, and while the Boston bombings slipped up the security radar, if history is any teacher, it would seem the United States should be on high alert in April. Indeed, there appears to be a security phenomenon at work that defies efforts to protect the homeland, particularly during the third week.

The Uses and Limits of Big Data in Risk Mitigation

Security Debrief |

May 3, 2013

We now have information on 800,000 people in our terrorist databases. We have “big data,” as the people would say who pretend to know something about it. Big Data, they often claim, will solve the problem. To my mind, we have a big search, analysis and distribution problem, and despite “big data” claims of prowess, connecting the dots before a terrorist strikes is never going to be an easy thing.

Security for Critical Water Infrastructure – How About Some Help for the Little Guy

L. Vance Taylor |

May 2, 2013

In an era of diminished budgets and vanishing security grants, a recent break in at the Carters Lake Water Treatment Plant in Georgia highlights how the federal government is leaving small water systems, and the communities they serve, hanging in the wind. I’m not suggesting DHS throw obscene amounts of money at rural water systems, but I would argue that these systems can make major strides with small amounts of money.

CBP To Buy New Mobile Video Surveillance Systems

Media Watch |

May 2, 2013

US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced in a solicitation Tuesday a new competition for the purchase of mobile video surveillance systems (MVSS) for use by Border Patrol agents.

House Homeland Security Committee Plans Hearing on Boston Attack

Media Watch |

May 2, 2013

The House Homeland Security Committee plans to hold the first congressional hearing next week examining the Boston Marathon terrorist attack and what it says about the state of the nation’s post-Sept. 11 security infrastructure.

Using Big Data to Fight Phishing

Media Watch |

May 2, 2013

Today’s spear-phishing campaigns are localized, small and can slip through typical spam filters. As a result, detection practices have to evolve.

Spy Chief Apparently Knows How Boston Intel Probe Will End

Media Watch |

May 1, 2013

An inquiry into whether U.S. intelligence agencies could have done more to help prevent the Boston Marathon bombing is just getting started. But America’s top spy is already convinced that the deadly April 15 attacks do not represent an intelligence failure.

FEMA Releases IED Lessons Learned Collection For First Responders

Media Watch |

May 1, 2013

The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released a collection of lessons learned for first responders related to improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and other weapons of mass destruction (WMDs).

Immigration plan would add drones to border security

Media Watch |

May 1, 2013

The bipartisan immigration proposal filed this month in the Senate would create a 24/7 surveillance system at U.S. borders that would rely significantly on increased use of drones.