The membership of International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) recently held its 2023 election cycle for the its board of directors, where four candidates were unanimously elected, three incumbents and one new candidate.

The three re-elected incumbents are Mr. Mohammed Murad, VP of Global Sales & Business Development for Iris ID Systems, a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Champion for Best Facial/Iris Recognition System; Mr. Chip Merrill, Vice President of Public Sector Biometrics at HID Global, a Legacy ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champion for Five Consecutive Years; and Mr. Donnie Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Idemia North America

Dr. Kathleen L. Kiernan, the president of NEC National Security Systems (NSS), a subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America, and the Returning Platinum Sponsor of the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program,  has been elected as IBIA’s newest board member.

NEC NSS provides biometric identity, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computer vision applications to federal government agencies in the defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security sectors.

NEC NSS deploys groundbreaking solutions for government use, including end-to-end systems for access control and security, Next-Gen identity verification, scene processing, advanced analytics, and intrusion detection.

NSS’s special security agreement (SSA) with the U.S. government qualifies it to work on projects related to national security, free of foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI).

NEC NSS leverages its parent company’s rich history of innovation and service to the U.S. government with scientific curiosity, a robust R&D budget, and the flexibility to rapidly prototype custom solutions.

Dr. Kiernan is a 29 year veteran of federal law enforcement and an expert in strategy development and implementation. Dr. K, as she is known to the many law enforcement professionals she has mentored over the course of her career, has also facilitated critical incident management exercises for both government and private sectors.

Previously, Dr. K served as the Assistant Director for the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).

“Dr. Kiernan is a welcome addition to our board of directors,” said John Mears, chairman of the IBIA board and VP and tech fellow at Leidos Corporation in a statement.

“Her expertise and experience will add another level of depth to the association’s well of industry thought leaders.”

Other IBIA board include Mr. Bob Eckel, President and CEO of Aware Inc.; Mr. Deep Bhatia of Qualcomm; Mr. Michael DePasquale, the chairman and CEO of BIO-key International; and Neville Pattinson, head of Business Development and Strategic Marketing of global identity technology for the Thales Group.

“We are pleased to have the world’s global leaders in the biometrics and identity management segment as members,” added Mr. Mears.

“They are key to our mission of advocacy for efficient, secure and ethical applications of the technology.”

The Importance of Biometrics in Transportation

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), who along with Administrator David Pekoske, which was recognized for Excellence in Homeland Security in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, is implementing voluntary Credential Authentication Technology (CAT) to verify the identity of travelers, in 16 airports, with plans call for a continued rollout.

First generation CAT units are designed to scan a traveler’s photo identification, confirm the traveler’s identity as well as their flight details. The new CAT units, referred to as CAT-2, have the same capabilities, but are also equipped with a camera that captures a real-time photo of the traveler.

CAT-2 compares the traveler’s photo on the identification credential against an in-person, real-time photo. Once the CAT-2 confirms the match, a TSA officer will verify and the traveler can proceed to security screening, without ever exchanging a boarding pass. TSA officers can perform additional passenger verification if needed.

(Learn more. Travelers simply put their ID in a reader and the photo is matched to what the camera sees. It ensures travelers are who they say they are. So far, the technology has been more accurate than humans. The TSA is also working on comparing a live image to a photo already in a government database, like a passport photo. The goal is for travelers to never have to show an ID. Just walk right through. Courtesy of NEXT Travel Stream and YouTube. Posted on Jan 31, 2023.)

Photos captured by CAT units are never stored or used for any other purpose than immediate identity verification by a TSA officer. Travelers who do not wish to participate in the facial matching process can opt out in favor of an alternative identity verification process.

As an added convenience, the CAT-2 units at SLC are equipped with readers that allow TSA PreCheck-eligible travelers to use mobile driver licenses or photo IDs for TSA identity verification purposes. (Residents should continue to carry their physical driver license or photo ID.)

These CAT-2 units can also read mobile credentials from any of the four states that are offering them to their residents at this time as well as the Delta Air Lines Biometric Facial Identification credential and GET mobile driver licenses.

CAT plays an important role in passenger identity verification. It improves a TSA officer’s ability to authenticate a guest’s photo identification while also identifying inconsistencies associated with fraudulent travel documents.

TSA continues to integrate new technologies into its identity verification process. To learn more about these programs, please visit www.tsa.gov/mobile-id.  

The Importance of Biometrics in Customs and Border Protection

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), whose Office of Field Operations (OFO) was recognized for Excellence in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, for its Global Entry Modernization Initiative, is also leveraging cutting-edge technologies to safeguard our nation, while also protecting the privacy of travelers.

(Hear from CBP OFO Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane J. Sabatino at Identity Week Europe on leveraging biometric comparison technology in U.S. air, maritime, and land border environments for the security of passengers, enhancing the customer experience and limiting the transmission of biological pathogens while respecting personal privacies and educating the public as the CBP further expands the implementation of biometrics to keep up with threats to the aviation and other border sectors. These new technological tools are there to automate administrative functions so that the most valuable component of the process, the officers, are able to focus on critical issues as they arise. Courtesy of evie kim sing and YouTube. Posted on Jul 13, 2022.)

2021 ‘ASTORS’ Private Sector Innovator & Leadership Person of the Year

As President of NEC NSS, Dr. Kiernan is responsible for the design and implementation of an identity management eco-system, including world-class multi-modal biometrics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and computer vision applications for federal government agencies in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies.

As part of NEC’S commitment to orchestrate a brighter world, Dr. Kiernan is engaged in the global effort to end human trafficking and homelessness.

She is the recipient of numerous awards, including an American Security Today Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Award for Best Educational Program in Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Community Enrichment from 2017 through 2022, and the recipient of the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Private Sector Innovator & Leadership Person of the Year.

(Dr. Kiernan is a pracademic, career practitioner backed by academic rigor focused on building and delivering capabilities to orchestrate a brighter and safer world. Courtesy of IQ PODCASTS and YouTube. Posted on Oct 27, 2022.)

Chair Emeritus of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), Dr. Kiernan is a graduate of the FBI Executive Institute, an Advisory Board Member for the Center for Advanced Red Teaming (CART) at SUNY, Albany, and an active member of the Business Executives for National Security (BENS), the International Women’s Forum and the American Society for Industrial Security (ASIS International).

Dr. Kiernan holds a Doctor of Education from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Arts Degree in International Transaction from George Mason University, and a Master of Science from the National Defense University.

NEC NSS Returns as Platinum Industry Sponsor for 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now entering it’s 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.

AST is pleased to announce that the 45th Police Commissioner for the City of New York, Keechant L. Sewell  has agreed to participate in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon as a guest speaker.

Please join AST in Welcoming Former Commissioner Sewell to the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City.

Go to https://americansecuritytoday.com/product/awards-luncheon/ to secure your Seat or reserve a Table and Receive a Special Early Bird Discount.

***Limited space available. There will be No On-Site registrations.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!

(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

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.

The 2022 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.

Last year marked 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 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 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 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 the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, 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 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)

(Hear directly from Keith Terreri, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Services and Business Operations at NEC Corporation of America, on why NEC supports the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program and the value NEC receives for participating in the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program. Courtesy of NEC, American Security Today, and YouTube.)

And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:

ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,

IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!

In 2022, AST was 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 and 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 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, which is 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, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through 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 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

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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NEC NSS and InfraGard National Partner to Fight Human Trafficking