Homeland Security and Technology

There are many precautions the Department of Homeland Security are using that is further increasing our degrees of technology.

The first few the book states are the passenger and baggage screening, stepped up border patrols, smallpox vaccinations for military personnel, electronic sniffing devices in airports, and a color-coded Homeland Security Advisory System. I have heard of the screenings and the color-coded advisory system. When threat levels are high, I see these on the news stations such as CBS.

The book also discusses the PROTECT system, which I have never heard about before. This system uses chemical detectors to sense toxic fumes, video surveillance cameras, a computer program that predicts the dispersion of toxic materials, and a wireless communications system to coordinate emergency responders. The PROTECT system was designed to be used on subways. I honestly thought there were cameras on the subways, and that was it. I am not sure if other people know about this system because I have ridden the subway once in my life, so perhaps this system is in fact well-known.

A computer system called CAPPS II has the ability to reduce flagged passengers to only 5%, instead of the usual 15%. If this is implemented correctly, it can save a lot of hassle and time at the airport.

The MATRIX (Multistate Anti-terrorism Information Exchange System) collects, stores, analyzes, and exchanges multiple data about criminals. I agree with this because when a criminal gets caught, many of their rights are taken away and this is for good reason and for the protection of the rest of the people.

The NSA (National Security Agency) uses electronic intercepts that monitors communication worldwide. If this could prevent a potential terrorist attack, I believe that it is worth it.

A DHS division called US-CERT deals with handling internet viruses and such that could harm computers and helps to prevent them. It is also helpful to computer users because it allows them to know when harmful threats are discovered.

I really have not heard about these different computer programs and systems. This is all interesting because I did not realize the extent the nation has taken on security. It really is amazing how many people are monitoring so many different aspects of people’s lives.

The computer systems used in Homeland Security do make me feel safer. I did not realize how many precautions were being taken. The scary part is that the government has to go to this extent because in this day and age, anything can happen. However, knowing about it and that these measures are being taken to protect the nation and its' people are comforting.

I believe that privacy is important. However, if there is a case where it could save people’s lives to read someone’s e-mail or intervene with some form of communication, it is important to do so. The Patriot Act gave government officials the power to uncover suspected terrorists in the United States. The FBI can now intercept wire, oral, and electronic communications. This act was created to help prevent terrorist attacks. If intervening and invading someone’s privacy could potentially help save the nation, I definitely believe it’s a chance worth taking.