Human rights violations are often the root cause of domestic, regional, and international conflict.[1] Whether it is discrimination based upon religion, ethnic minorities, race or national origin, the genesis of war is often found in the systematic denial of human rights. This year, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson stated: “Promoting human rights and democratic […]
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White House Releases Unclassified Cyber Vulnerability Process Info.
White House Cybersecurity Coordinator Rob Joyce announced release of unclassified portions of the Vulnerabilities Equity Process (VEP) charter Nov. 15 to guide decision makers in how to better defend against cyber attacks. “Our public release of the unclassified portions [of the] charter will shed light on aspects of the VEP that were previously shielded from […]
FBI, DHS Identify North Korea Malware Attacks
Two Joint Technical Alerts from the Department of Homeland Security and FBI on Tuesday identified cyber operations from North Korea that target “media, aerospace, financial, and critical infrastructure sectors in the United States and globally.” The United States calls North Korea’s cyber activity Hidden Cobra. The alerts identify two malware tools used by North Korea […]
Senate Committee Approves Nielsen DHS Nomination
The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee voted 11-4 Tuesday to approve the nomination of Kristjen Nielsen to head the Department of Homeland Security. Reps. Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H), and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) provided the four dissenting votes. Nielsen faced the committee Nov. 8 for questioning on Nov. 8. […]
Trump Nominates Homan for ICE Director
President Donald Trump officially nominated Thomas D. Homan on Tuesday to be permanent director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Homan has served as acting director of ICE since January. Homan is a strong proponent of strict border enforcement and has been vocal in his criticism of “sanctuary city” jurisdictions. He’s also faced criticism for […]
Evolving DHS Fosters Business Challenges and Opportunities
The proverbial table at which the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) sits is one of unappetizing choices and ever-evolving challenges. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) noted some stark realities last week at DHS secretary nominee Kristjen Nielsen’s confirmation hearing. One of them was the fact that DHS is a fusion of more than 20 diverse agencies […]
Drones Cited as New Threat in DHS Terror Bulletin
The Department of Homeland Security released a terror bulletin Nov. 9 indicating new possible threats from drones and chemical weapons.
“Some terrorist groups overseas are using battlefield experiences to pursue new technologies and tactics, such as unmanned aerial systems and chemical agents that could be used outside the conflict zones,” the bulletin states. “Additionally, terrorists continue to target commercial aviation and air cargo, including with concealed explosives.”
Register Today for DHS Small Business Vendor Session
Registration for the November Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Vendor Outreach Sessions opened at noon Nov. 9 for those wishing to connect with prime vendors and DHS officials. In honor of Veterans Day, the Nov. 16 session is reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned and veteran-owned small businesses. Interested parties must create a profile before […]
Perspective: Conferences, Certification, or College for Cybersecurity Path?
Cybersecurity and cyber defense experience are buzzwords that enhance a resume. They are also jobs that are needed now and far into the future. In January 2017, cybersecurity expert and CSO Steve Morgan wrote about the need for more cybersecurity talent. On the the CSO website, which serves enterprise security decision-makers, Morgan stated that “there […]
DHS IG Report Tough on Leadership and Follow-Through
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General (IG) John Roth released his annual performance challenge report Nov. 3 hitting hard on leadership deficiencies within the department. The report comes just days before DHS secretary nominee Kirstjen M. Nielsen faced a Senate confirmation hearing. Major Management and Performance Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security opened […]