1. Computers and Homeland Security
Sharon Wehmeyer

2. History of Homeland Security:
What is the department of Homeland Security?
integration of 22 different federal departments and agencies
response to September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks
became official in 2002 with Homeland Security Act
the office is in charge of coordinating “a comprehensive national strategy to safeguard the country against terrorism and other national attacks”
Mission: “The vision of homeland security is to ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards.”

3. Five Parts to DHS: prevent terrorism and enhancing security
secure and manage borders
enforce and administer immigration laws
safeguard and secure cyberspace
ensure resilience to disasters

4. Prevent Terrorism and Enhance Security:
improved technology with scanning items at customs in airport security
increase use of technology checking for security in shipping
facial recognition software
intertwined with all five parts of DHS

5. Secure and Manage Borders:
unmanned drones
satellite images
infrared technology
combat trafficking online

6. Enforce and Administer Immigration Laws:
better use of technology to track immigrants
online paperwork
facial recognition software
using online tips to track employers who knowingly/repeatedly break the law

7. Safeguard and Secure Cyberspace:
Challenges:
criminals can function from anywhere in the world to operate from anywhere in the world
tracking from cyberspace to physical location
complex cyber networks are difficult to minimize vulnerabilities

8. How does it relate to you?
Pros:
provides our country with a single department focused only on national security
works with many departments i.e. Immigration and Customs and Secret Service
aid for disasters
Cons:
privacy issues
additional government policies

9. Resources: http://www.dhs.gov/creation-department-homeland-security