Last week both the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warned of risks associated with the emerging Internet of Things, or those devices that are readable, recognizable, locatable and controllable via the Internet. Certainly, there are many risks inherent with so many objects connected to networks, but there are also many smart technologies that can enhance security and DHS’s mission to protect the nation.
In public safety, sensors and embedded security systems, including surveillance cameras, are becoming a norm. In 2005 in London, closed-circuit TV cameras helped lead to the identification of suspects who carried out the attack on London’s subway and bus systems. More recently, the identification of the Boston bombing suspects were assisted via security-camera images. Because of the limitations of personnel to constantly patrol areas of cities, surveillance monitoring by video and acoustic devices have enabled law enforcement to magnify their reach and also keep an electronic record of forensic evidence.
It’s that integration of sensors, networks and data analytics that compose a “smart city” of linked transportation, energy, water resources, waste collections, smart-building technologies, communications and security technologies and services. The Internet of Things for smart cities has received much attention from DHS, especially from Science & Technology Undersecretary Reggie Brothers. The goal of his directorate? To mobilize and repurpose cutting-edge smart technologies to strengthen the safety and security of our nation.
It’s a call to action, challenging the public to think differently about the role science plays in preparing for future threats and risks. S&T envisions a future where mobile sensors, communications, materials and visualization technologies seamlessly work together to enhance the safety of the public and responders.
For DHS this mission directly correlates to incorporating technologies for shared situational awareness and enabling integrated operational actions to prevent, mitigate, respond to and recover from cyber incidents as well as crime, terrorism and natural disasters.
Digging deeper, there are a variety of key areas that would fall within this mission:
- Physical and cybersecurity
- Intrusion prevention/surveillance
- Resilience
- Public safety services
- Sensors, detectors, biometrics
- Drones, robots
- Data analytics, urban informatics
- Cameras
- Command and control centers
- Interoperable communications
- Crime mapping
- Social media monitoring
Of course, the primary focus of DHS has always been to detect and mitigate weapons of mass destruction. From its onset, the agency has been working with sensors and networks that detect the presence of toxic gasses, pathogens, radiation and explosives. The automation, deployment and analytics derived from these systems continue to be enhanced as components are integrated into smart and secure cities.
I would be remiss if I did not mention DHS’s role in cybersecurity. DHS is responsible for overseeing the protection of the .gov domain and for providing assistance and expertise to private-sector owners and operators. Because the Internet of Things touches both government and private-sector networks, DHS plays
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an integral part in deterrence, ameliorating risk and ensuring resilience to the Internet of Things networks. As a society on the verge of unparalleled exponential connectivity, DHS’s role is in cybersecurity is a critical one.
New risks, privacy issues and unforeseen issues will no doubt confront us as the Internet of Things continues to evolve and expand. DHS will be at the forefront of addressing those developments and will continue to fulfill a vital role in its mandate of keeping citizens safe by harnessing new technologies for secure and smart cities.
