Each year, communities across the United States gather to honor and remember the brave men and women of our Nation’s law enforcement agencies – especially those who paid the ultimate price, including the family members, friends, and fellow officers left behind.
From candlelight vigils to memorials, their sacrifice is never forgotten.
With that said, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), which was Recognized with Multiple Excellence in Homeland Security and Public Safety Awards in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, has announced its support for National Police Week and our men and women serving on the front lines.
Towards that end, CISA provides the responder community with several resources, including bomb threat preparedness and response training and Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Capabilities Assessments (CCA) Program.
(Learn about a wide array of CISA’s tools and tips that are free to help members of the public and others effectively respond to bomb threats. See how this video also discusses basic steps you can take to handle bomb threats and make informed risk management decisions to protect people and property. Learn more about CISA’s Office for Bombing Prevention at cisa.gov/obp. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)
Each of these CISA programs exists to educate first responders and specialized units nationwide on the risks associated with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and best practices for addressing these threats.
CISA also regularly works with the community to develop and conduct preparedness exercises. Most recently, CISA joined efforts with public safety officials in the City of Detroit to conduct a full-scale emergency services exercise.
(National Police Week is an important time to reflect on the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers as shown in the statistics of 2022 when 246 officers died in the line of duty in the United States. Courtesy of KIFI Local News 8 and YouTube. Posted on May 16, 2023.)
As America’s Cyber Defense Agency, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), leads the national effort to understand, manage, and reduce risk to our critical infrastructure.
CISA is the operational lead for federal cybersecurity and the national coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, and was designed for collaboration and partnership.
CISA develops a range of cyber and infrastructure security services, publications, and programs for federal government, SLTT governments, industry, small and medium businesses, educational institutions, and the American public.
To learn about CISA’s layered mission to reduce risk to the nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure, please visit www.cisa.gov/about.
(Learn More about the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)
CISA Honored in 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Excellence in Public Safety
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Active Assailant Security Branch, Active Shooter Preparedness Program
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Active shooter incidents are often unpredictable and evolve quickly.
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Amid chaos, anyone can play an integral role in mitigating the impacts of an active shooter incident. DHS aims to enhance preparedness through a “whole community” approach by providing products, tools, and resources to help you prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
(For example, CISA’s “Active Shooter Preparedness: School Security and Resilience” video provides information geared towards educators, school resource officers, and school administrators who serve in important roles in safeguarding schools. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)
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To access the most applicable information, please select the appropriate category for your application from the following: First Responders and Security Professionals, Private Citizens, Critical Infrastructures and Business, Active Shooter Preparedness Workshop/Webinar, Employee Vigilance and De-escalation, Products/Resources.
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Learn More, through CISA’s series of videos for additional information.
(The DHS Active Shooter PowerPoint Presentation and Webinar video is used by DHS-qualified subject-matter experts as a visual reference to guide critical infrastructure owners and operators with a better understanding of developing an organization’s emergency action plan. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
Excellence in Public Safety
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Active Assailant Security Branch, Vehicle Ramming Self-Assessment Tool
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Using a vehicle as a weapon in a terrorist attack is not new.
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Recent terrorist incidents and violent extremist propaganda demonstrate that using vehicles as a weapon continues to be of interest to those wishing to cause harm.
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Attacks of this nature require minimal capability but can have a devastating impact in crowded places with low levels of visible security.
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To aid our nation’s first responders and citizens, CISA offers the following resources: the Vehicle Ramming Self-Assessment Tool, the Self-Assessment Tool Resources, the First Responder Toolbox, General Resources, and videos.
(Learn More. The FBI, DHS, and TSA—in coordination with the Truck Renting and Leasing Association and the American Car Rental Association—have released a short training video to help vehicle rental employees identify suspicious activities and behavior by customers who may wish to use a rented vehicle for nefarious purposes. Courtesy of the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and YouTube. Posted on Aug 3, 2022.)
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To contact the Vehicle Ramming Attack Mitigation team or to get more information on Vehicle Ramming Attack Mitigation, please contact CISA.ISD.OSP.VehicleRammingMitigation@cisa.dhs.gov.
Nitin Natarajan, Deputy Director, CISA
Excellence in Homeland Security
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Nitin Natarajan was appointed to serve as the Deputy Director for CISA on February 16, 2021. Before joining CISA in February 2021, Natarajan served in various public and private sector positions spanning over 30 years.
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Most recently, he served as an executive at consulting firms providing subject matter expertise on a number of topics, including IT, cybersecurity, homeland, and national security, critical infrastructure protection, environmental emergency management, continuity of operations, and health security matters.
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Natarajan also held several federal government roles, including serving as the Deputy Assistant Administrator for the Office of Land and Emergency Management at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Director of Critical Infrastructure Policy at the White House/National Security Council, and the Director at the U.S. Health and Human Services overseeing their critical infrastructure, continuity of operations (COOP), and medical logistics programs.
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Prior to serving in the federal government, Natarajan served in positions at the state/local government level and served as a hospital administrator.
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Natarajan started his career spending 13 years as a first responder in New York including service as a flight paramedic. He was the Commander of a federal medical response team, based in New York, and has extensive experience deploying to natural and man-made disasters throughout the nation.
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He holds an undergraduate degree from the State University of New York and a graduate degree from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.
(Hear from Nitin Natarajan to learn more about the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is an operational component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the leadership of Director Jen Easterly, CISA works to understand, manage, and mitigate risk to the nation’s cyber and physical infrastructure in the public and private sectors. Their virtual mini-Industry Day events allow CISA and industry leaders to have meaningful discussions about cybersecurity, infrastructure, risk management, and communications capabilities, challenges, and technologies, as well as future business opportunities. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)
CISA Interagency Security Committee (ISC)
Excellence in Public Safety
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Risk Management Process and Facility Security Committee Training Course
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In response to the 1995 domestic terror bombing at the Oklahoma City Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, the Interagency Security Committee was created and, with collaboration, establishes policies, monitors compliance, and enhances the security and protection of Federal Facilities.
(2020 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Interagency Security Committee. On October 19, 1995, six months after the Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, Executive Order 12977 created the Interagency Security Committee to address continuing government-wide security for federal facilities. Courtesy of CISA and YouTube.)
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With growing recognition among the Federal security community that a “one-size-fits-all” approach is no longer acceptable, the ISC’s Risk Management Process has become the standard for physical security within the federal government.
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Realizing the need to educate security personnel, the ISC RMP Training Program was formed. The ISC RMP is the first training program recognized and certified by the ISC to train federal security professionals in the ISC Risk Management Process.
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This is done through collaborative exercises and hands-on interactive instruction based on an Instructional Systems Design, a nationally recognized process.
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The Risk Management Process and Facility Security Committee Training Course awards Continuing Education Units is offered at no cost to participants and provides an understanding of the ISC Risk Management Process Standard, and the roles and responsibilities of Facility Security Committees.
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To learn more about the ISC RMP Training and how to register, please visit www.cisa.gov/interagency-security-committee-training.
Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.
These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.
Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.
The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.
This year’s exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force, to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.
The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program emphasized the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders.
The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.
The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.
AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke, as always, about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.
New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.
FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with a special recognition of those lost on 9/11.
Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.
As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is in the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer and sworn and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.
Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors.
The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!
We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police, as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).
The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.
Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.
ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.
Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:
Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.
It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
A complete list of 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners will be announced shortly.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:
- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
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Highlighting CISA & NIST’s Efforts Under EO 14028: Standards & Security
