"A national strategy requires a national effort," the document states. "The private sector is a key Homeland security partner. Its creative genius will develop the information systems, vaccines, detection devices and other technologies and innovations."
The strategy focuses Homeland security into six critical areas: intelligence and warning; border and transportation security; domestic couterterrorism; critical infrastructure protection; defending against catastrophic terrorism; and emergency preparedness and response. Each facet of Homeland security carries many different missions.
Intelligence and warning encompasses the five-color Homeland Security Advisory System and information gathering by governmental agencies. Domestic counterterrorism includes facilitating communication between government agencies concerning terrorists and their apprehension. Defending against catastrophic threats includes implementation of detection devices, such as those designed to locate chemical, biological and nuclear weapons. It also involves chemical sensors, decontamination technology and vaccines.
Having the most impact on the security industry are initiatives involving border and transportation security and infrastructure protection - which will merge physical and IT security functions.
Border and transportation security starts with technology - from biometrically-enhanced passports and ID cards to devices designed to inspect international shipping containers. The strategy specifically calls for "biometric technology [applied] to identification devices." Additionally, the strategy calls for the complete implementation of the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 - including calls for complete screening of checked baggage at airports with explosives detection and the federalization of airport security employees.
Infrastructure protection brings the IT security arena into focus. The strategy specifically calls for a plan to "secure cyberspace," a daunting task, but one only achievable through IT security professionals partnered with the government.
"With a better picture of these responsibilities, all of us can direct money and manpower to meet them," Bush said.
Science and technology: A major facet of the plan
Aside from the general structure and coordination to achieve proper Homeland security, President Bush's national strategy outlines areas in which science and technology can be applied for national defense.
"The nation's advantage in science and technology is a key to securing the homeland," the strategy states. "The federal government is launching a systematic national effort to harness science and technology in support of Homeland security. It will also seek to harness the energy and ingenuity of the private sector to develop systems and devices."
The strategy identifies 11 major initiatives in this area:
- Develop chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear countermeasures;
- Develop systems for detecting hostile intent;
- Apply biometric technology to identification devices;
- Improve the technical capabilities of first responders;
- Coordinate research and development of the Homeland security apparatus;
- Establish a national laboratory for homeland security;
- Solicit independent and private analysis for science and technology research;
- Establish a mechanism for rapidly producing prototypes;
- Conduct demonstrations and pilot deployments;
- Set standards for homeland security technology; and
- Establish a system for high-risk, high-payoff homeland security research.
"The Department of Homeland Security would support research and development efforts in biometric technology, which shows great promise," the strategy says. "The Department would focus on improving accuracy, consistency, and efficiency in biometric systems. Furthermore, the Department would explore biomolecular and other new techniques, as well as enhancements to current techniques such as noise suppression methods for voice authentication. "
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