DHS at 5 Years, General Dynamics, Boeing, FEMA, +

Bush Says Homeland Security Improved, Urges Immunity for IT Firms http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-03-06-voa48.cfm

President Bush speaking at the Department of Homeland Security, 06 Mar 2008

President Bush marked the fifth anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security with a warning that terrorists are determined to attack again. VOA White House Correspondent Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush wants immunity for telecommunications firms that have helped the government listen-in on conversations with suspected terrorists......

DHS launches Northern Border pilot programs

http://www.washingtontechnology.com/online/1_1/32402-1.html

While the Homeland Security Department prepares a prototype solution for protecting the northern border, new technologies already are being tested in the field, states a new report from the department’s Customs and Border Protection directorate.
The 20-page report said the federal government is in the process of implementing additions in border personnel, infrastructure improvements and technologies to protect the U.S.-Canadian border. The report was written and submitted to Congress under the requirements of the 9/11 Commission implementation law approved last year

National Dragnet Is a Click Away

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/03/05/AR2008030503656_pf.html

Several thousand law enforcement agencies are creating the foundation of a domestic intelligence system through computer networks that analyze vast amounts of police information to fight crime and root out terror plots.
As federal authorities struggled to meet information-sharing mandates after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, police agencies from Alaska and California to the Washington region poured millions of criminal and investigative records into shared digital repositories called data warehouses, giving investigators and analysts new power to discern links among people, patterns of behavior and other hidden clues.
General Dynamics unit gets clearance to provide NSA communications http://www.bizjournals.com/phoenix/stories/2008/03/03/daily55.htmlGeneral Dynamics C4 Systems in Scottsdale has been chosen to outfit the National Security Agency with a secure mobile device for some of the organization's most classified communications.
The NSA will use the Sectéra Edge smart phone for voice and data communications. The system will handle voice communications at "top secret" level, while e-mail and Web access will be conducted at the "secret" level and below.

Boeing Awarded Air Force Contract for Advanced Laser Development and Testing http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=80556&Itemid=9"This Air Force program represents an important opportunity for Boeing in continuing to help develop the next generation of laser weapon technologies" said Scott Fancher, vice president and general manager of Boeing Missile Defense Systems. "The various laser technologies being developed represent potential solutions to equip the warfighter with ultra-precision engagement capability"
Boeing leads directed energy research and development for various military applications, including the Airborne Laser, Advanced Tactical Laser, High Energy Laser Technology Demonstrator and Tactical Relay Mirror System.

Health Department To Hold Emergency Exercise (MO)

http://memphisdemocrat.com/2008/news/080306_mock.shtml

Verizon Business Offers Security and Communications During FEMA Disaster Drill

http://www.tmcnet.com/disaster-planning/articles/22369-verizon-business-offers-security-communications-during-fema-disaster.htm

To support emergency response personnel during a recent mock disaster demonstration run by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Verizon Business (News - Alert) issued their 'Smart Credentials'. Through its participation and support in the disaster demonstration, Verizon Business proved its ability to provide security and communications solutions to public safety agencies in crisis conditions.

"Because we never know when disaster will strike, preparation is key," said Kerry Bailey, vice president of Verizon Business Security Solutions.

E-games to test infrastructure security

http://news.theage.com.au/egames-to-test-infrastructure-security/20080306-1xnn.html

Australia will join global counter-terrorism war games to test the security of vital resources including dams, power stations, telephone exchanges and banks.
Attorney-General Robert McClelland will announce the federal government's involvement in Cyberstorm II......