Archives: January, 2008

A factor of growing – and bedeviling – importance in emergency communication is discussed, but by no means resolved, in W. David Stephenson’s blog on homeland security – the use of social networks in distributing emergency information. Stephenson notes that mobile social network applications are spreading rapidly in Europe and no doubt will in the […]

Here we step back a bit to provide a “big picture” reference to an important consideration: security vs. privacy. Bruce Schneier includes in his blog, Schneier on Security, a thoughtful essay that appeared originally on Wired magazine’s website. “Security and privacy,” Schneier argues, “are not opposite ends of a seesaw; you don’t have to accept […]

One aspect of the “unprecedented” security measures being taken for the Super Bowl game in Pheonix on February 3 is especially worth considering in strengthening security precautions everywhere. Law enforcement credentials, uniforms and equipment that have been stolen in Arizona over the past several years could possibly be used to infiltrate the University of Pheonix […]

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released an updated blueprint for how governments at all levels should respond to emergencies of all sorts – the National Response Framework (NRF). To take effect March 22, the NRF will replace the National Response Plan issued in 2004 and ammended in 2006. NRF provides a detailed context […]

The nation’s ports received another round of federal security-assistance funding after it looked for a while that they would be left high and dry in 2008. In December, Securityinfowatch.com notes (referring to an Associated Press report at the time), White House budget documents indicated the Department of Homeland Security felt that federal security funding wasn’t […]

Cape May County, N.J., is taking an enterprising approach to emergency response by creating a SWAT team – for firefighters. The new special operations team won’t fight fires, though. Instead, notes SecurityInfoWatch.com, “it will respond to collapses of buildings, boardwalks, roadways, bridges and piers. It could be called for a confined-space emergency, perform a high-rise […]

Bruce Schneier, who writes the Schneier on Security blog, is a hospitable man. In this cyberspace era, that takes on new meaning. Schneier doesn’t hesitate at all to maintain an open wireless network at home, for Internet access by whomever may come to visit with a computer in hand. “It’s basic politeness,” Schneier writes, “Providing […]

Michael Chertoff, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), shows a commendable willingness to reach beyond Washington for advice and input – and in the department’s blog, lists a couple of the organizations DHS uses for that purpose. If you don’t know them, it might be good to get acquainted. “We know we don’t […]

Security Management, an ASIS International website, is promoting the Encyclopedia of Security Management, Second Edition, which does seem an invaluable reference for security managers. The book covers the “management of the security function as it relates to to many different industries,” and is billed as a way to avoid consulting fees. “In today’s rapidly expanding […]

Insights into how to thrwart Islamic radicals in non-Islamic countries are coming from London where the police, despite bombings last summer, have been seeking to demonstrate to London’s Muslims that “they are not the enemy.” A Security Management article on “Fighting Terrorism in the U.K.” makes the point that efforts to build mutual trust must […]