Source: COGNITIVE WORLD on FORBES

Emerging technologies are already impacting how we live and work. They're also changing how we approach, plan, and integrate security operations. With the advent of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, the Internet of Things, augmented reality, materials science, 3-D printing, and data analytics, the security industry is being transformed.

Certainly, we are living in an era where innovation, agility and imagination are all essential in order to keep pace with the exponential technological transformation taking place.  For security, both physical and cyber, the equation is the same catalyzing many new potential applications for emerging technologies.

Some of the applied verticals in homeland security where I personally see emerging technologies are making an impact include:

• Counter terrorism and law enforcement informatics via predictive analytics and artificial intelligence

• Real-time horizon scanning and data mining for threats and information sharing

• Automated cybersecurity and information assurance

• Enhanced Surveillance (chemical and bio detection sensors, cameras, drones, facial recognition, license plate readers)

• Simulation and augmented reality technologies for training and modeling

• New non-lethal technologies such as: acoustics systems, chemicals markers, communications systems, entanglement systems, optical devices, non-penetrating projectiles and munitions

• Safety and security equipment (including bullet and bomb proof) made with lighter and stronger materials

• Advanced forensics enabled by enhanced computing capabilities (including future quantum computing)

• Interoperable communications, soon to be bolstered by 5G for First Responders

• Situational awareness capabilities via GPS for disaster response and crisis response scenarios

• Biometrics: assured identity security screening solutions by bio-signature: (every aspect of your physiology can be used as a bio-signature. Measure unique heart/pulse rates, electrocardiogram sensor, blood oximetry, skin temperature)

• Robotic Policing (already happening in Dubai!)

That is my own emerging homeland security technologies shortlist. There is much more to add. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has many projects and technology solutions that impact the Homeland Security mission. There are a variety of amazing innovations and products in key DHS mission areas, such as aviation security, border security, cybersecurity, and first responder capabilities.

New technologies are also being commercialized by technology foraging. The Department of Homeland Security defines technology foraging as a process of “identifying, locating and evaluating existing or developing technologies, products, services and emerging trends. This approach allows faster development and increases partnership opportunities and resources to assist the development of current or future homeland security systems and needs.”

DHS is not alone in bringing emerging security to stakeholders. The Department of Defense (DOD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is the progenitor of many technologies beyond imagination. As the DoD’s primary innovation engine, DARPA undertakes projects that are finite in duration but that create lasting revolutionary change.” Some of DARPA’s recent projects include deep dives into security applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

The Intelligence Community is also active in tech foraging. The Intelligence Advanced Research Project Activity (IARPA) has cybersecurity research focus areas that include information assurance, advanced computing technologies and architectures, quantum information science and technology, and threat detection and mitigation.

The DOE National Labs and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC’s) are also very involved in developing security technologies. These include some of our nation’s most recognized national Labs including Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge, Argonne, Sandia, Idaho National Laboratory, Battelle, and Brookhaven. The benefits of the Labs’ role include experienced capability in rapid prototyping of new technologies ready for transitioning, showcasing, and commercialization.

As in most emerging technology endeavors, the public and private sectors are working partners in funding research and development, and creating foundries and innovation centers to build and market these emerging security technologies.  There is still much to be discovered, tested, prototyped and employed in protecting us from future threats. Security technologies can be enablers in helping prevent and mitigate acts of terrorism, pandemics and natural disasters. Accordingly, the security industry is being transformed for those missions.

Chuck Brooks is a globally recognized thought leader and evangelist for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. He is also Adjunct Faculty at Georgetown University’s Applied Intelligence Program and graduate Cybersecurity Programs where he teaches courses on risk management, homeland security, emerging tech, and cybersecurity. LinkedIn named Chuck as one of “The Top 5 Tech People to Follow on LinkedIn” out of their 550 million members.

Chuck was named by Thompson Reuters as a “Top 50 Global Influencer in Risk, Compliance,” and by IFSEC as the “#2 Global Cybersecurity Influencer” in 2018. In both 2017 and 2016, he was named “Cybersecurity Marketer of the Year by the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards. He is also a Cybersecurity Expert for “The Network” at the Washington Post, Visiting Editor at Homeland Security Today, and a Contributor to FORBES.

Chuck is on the MIT Technology Review Advisory Global Panel, a member of The AFCEA Cybersecurity Committee, and as member of the Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE Standards Association (IEEE-SA) Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Working Group. Chuck was also appointed as a Technology Partner Advisor to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He’s served as the Chairman of CompTIA’s New and Emerging Technology Committee, and as the lead Judge for the 2014,15,16, and 17 Government Security News Homeland Security News Awards evaluating top security technologies. In government, Chuck has received two senior Presidential appointments. Under President George W. Bush Chuck was appointed to The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as the first Legislative Director of The Science & Technology Directorate at the Department of Homeland Security. He also was appointed as Special Assistant to the Director of Voice of America under President Reagan. He served as a top Advisor to the late Senator Arlen Specter on Capitol Hill covering security and technology issues on Capitol Hill.

In media, Chuck is the featured Homeland Security contributor for Federal Times, featured cybersecurity contributor for High Performance Counsel on cybersecurity, and an advisor and contributor to Cognitive World, a leading publication on artificial intelligence. He has also appeared in Forbes and Huffington Post and has published more than 150 articles and blogs on cybersecurity, homeland security and technology issues. He has 45,000 followers on LinkedIn and runs a dozen LI groups, including the two largest in homeland security. In academia, Chuck is Adjunct Faculty at Georgetown University teaching a course in homeland security risk management.

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