American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards, the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, is pleased to announce our New Platinum Sponsor, NEC National Security Systems (NSS), a foreign-ownership-mitigated, wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America.

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

(NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS) showcased several of its latest #AI and #biometric technologies, including its #digital #identity management #platform and #iris recognition capabilities, at industry-leading ‘connect:ID 2021’ in Washington, D.C.. As part of the conference, several NEC NSS experts presented and participated in numerous speaking sessions to discuss key issues in homeland security and public safety. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America and YouTube.)

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

NEC National Security Systems 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.

NEC Corporation invests an estimated $1.01 billion annually in R&D, holds 47,000 patents, and has more than 110,000 employees in 160+ countries.

(See how Star Alliance Biometrics, powered by NEC I:Delight, enables travelers to use a secure Digital ID to personalize their travel experience. The application allows passengers to create a secure biometric-enabled Digital ID to check-in for their flight and drop luggage, go through security, access the VIP lounge, shop at retail stores, and board the plane. Built on NEC’s identity management platform, NEC I:Delight, Star Alliance Biometrics is redefining the travel experience from curb-to-gate. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America and YouTube.)

NIST Validated

NEC’s state-of-the-art biometrics algorithms have been validated by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in a comprehensive range of tests from small one-to-one verification to large-scale high-volume identification matching.

NIST tests consistently prove that NEC has the fastest and most accurate face and fingerprint recognition algorithms and the most resilient facial recognition technologies when viewing low angles, low-resolution images, and poor image quality.

NEC Corporation, a leading technology integrator providing solutions that improve the way people work and communicate, had an incredible showing in 2021, earning five ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards from American Security Today in the following categories:

• Best Integrated Security Management System

• Best Federal Government/ DoD Access Control Management

• Best COVID-19 Detection Solution

• Excellence in Innovation for Airport/ Aviation Safety

• Excellence in National Security for Travel Security Management solutions

• Extraordinary Industry Leadership and Innovation Industry Person of the Year Award, Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems

20 years ago the very idea of Homeland Security changed forever due to the events of 9/11/2001. In the years following that day, Dr. Kiernan dedicated her career to creating a safer world for all.

Dr. Kiernan was honored alongside TSA Administrator, Admiral David Pekoske, and Former Police Commissioner William Bratton of the NYPD, the Boston Police Department, the former Chief of the LAPD, currently serving as Executive Chairman at Global CEO Advisory Firm Teneo.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is specifically designed to honor distinguished government and vendor solutions that deliver enhanced value, benefit, and intelligence to end-users in a variety of government, homeland security, enterprise, and public safety vertical markets.

“‘ASTORS’ nominations are evaluated on their technical innovation, interoperability, specific impact within the category, the overall impact to the industry, relatability to other industry technologies, and application feasibility outside of the industry,” explained AST’s Publisher, Michael J. Madsen.

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

Raffie Beroukhim, Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer at NEC Corporation of America, celebrated the awards by saying, “Our team is honored to be recognized for our achievements in the fields of public safety and homeland security among peers we so highly respect.”

“There is no greater cause than protecting the safety and security of communities, we feel honored to work in collaboration with public servants across the United States to accomplish these worthy goals.”

As an Information and Communications Technology (ICT) leader in operation for 120 years,
NEC is committed to bringing together and integrating its technology and expertise to create the ICT-enabled society of tomorrow.

(Introducing NEC’s 100-year vision of the future, passion, strategy, and key business. With their focus on Solutions for Society, NEC’s goal is to lead the advancement of the world’s social infrastructure by leveraging ICT and new business models. NEC Solutions for Society activities will become the pillars of NEC over the company’s next 100 years. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America and YouTube.)

NEC is enabling new approaches in how Communications and IT services are delivered and managed so organizations can operate more safely and efficiently including delivering more engaging customer experiences.

To discuss your needs and ideas with the experts at NEC NSS, reach out for details, demos, virtual tours, or proofs of concept (POC), go to https://www.necnss.com/contact.html

To learn more about NEC’s National Security Systems, please visit, https://www.necnss.com/.

NEC Recognized with Multi-Awards in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program 

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

NEC National Security Systems

• NeoFace, deployed by Leidos

• Best Federal Govt/DoD Access Control Management

• NEC National Security Systems (NSS) provides full-service solutions for large agencies using the intellectual property and resources of the global NEC brand. 

• Redstone Arsenal, one of the most important military bases in the US (serving the DoD, DOJ, the NASA, and the likely future home of USSPACECOM, requires best-in-class security solutions, and with 44,000 employees and guests using the facility, it also requires solutions geared towards improving daily efficiency around the base.

• In March 2021 Redstone began using a new NEC Face Recognition Algorithm (NeoFace) deployed by Leidos to verify all entries onto the base, while seated comfortably in their vehicles.

• The NeoFace System minimizes time-consuming manual checks, and gives security personnel an added tool to verify identity with greater assurances.

(Redstone Arsenal is the only base in the country with this facial recognition technology.  “We are the only post right now with facial recognition. So, we are leading the army in this part of the technology,” said Redstone Garrison Commander Col. Glenn Mellor. “…all Arsenal employees, members of the military, and retirees and their dependents who utilize a Defense Common Access Card for entry to the installation are automatically registered in the pilot programs database via hand-held scanners at the Gates. Once the initial scan is complete, the registered individual is clear to use the Facial Recognition lanes,” added Arsenal representatives. Courtesy of WZDX News and YouTube. Posted on Mar 12, 2021.)

NEC Corporation of America

• NEC I:Delight

• Best Integrated Security Management System

• Excellence in National Security for Traveler Security Management

• Star Alliance, one of the world’s largest airline alliance, connecting customers of prominent airlines like Lufthansa, United Airlines, and Air Canada, late last year launched Star Alliance Biometrics, powered by NEC technology’s NEC I:Delight identity platform software.

• A service that benefits everyone from passengers to TSA agents, NEC’s I:Delight offers a contactless mechanism that ultimately makes the airport experience more hygienic, something we’re all grateful for as the fight against COVID-19 rages on.

• Technology truly made for its time; the NEC face matching algorithm has proven its accuracy even with a face mask, as identity verification can occur in as little as 1.5 seconds .

• Biometrics-powered security is the future of travel, one where passengers seamlessly navigate across a global network with a single secure digital ID.

(The world’s largest global airline alliance, Star Alliance, launched its new #biometrics service, Star Alliance Biometrics in November 2020. The identity management platform provides travelers with a seamless curb-to-gate, #touchless experience using NEC I:Delight. This technology enables travelers simply create a single #DigitalID to pass through the airport from check-in, bag drop, security checkpoints to boarding, and beyond. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America.)

NEC Corporation of America

• NEC NeoFace Thermal Express

• Best COVID-19 Detection Solution

• Excellence in Innovation for Airport/Aviation Safety

• As the COVID-19 pandemic has stretched on through the year, airports have gone above and beyond to avoid becoming hotspots of virus contraction as people cross paths from across the globe.

• Every state has taken a different approach to combat the deadly virus’s presence in travel hubs, the Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) turned to the experts in AI-powered technology for safety and security, NEC Corporation.

• The State of Hawaii has deployed NEC’s innovative NeoFace Thermal Express technology, at all five Hawaiian airports which automatically screens the body temperature of every arriving passenger entering the airport terminal, to ensure they do not become hotspots of virus contraction as people cross paths from across the globe.

(The Hawaii Department of Transportation (DoT) partners with NEC to install a hygienic, contactless thermal body temperature screening solution at Hawaii’s 5 major airports. The purpose of this project is to protect the health and safety of the traveling community, the visitors and the residents and to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America and YouTube.)

• *NEC Corporation of America was also recognized in the 2018, and 2017 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.

2021 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Industry Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year

• Dr. Kathleen Kiernan is the Founder and CEO of national security, education, risk management, and training firm Kiernan Group Holdings (KGH), Chair Emeritus of InfraGard National Members Alliance, and adjunct faculty member at the Naval Postgraduate School.

• KGH serves customers across the US Government trade space, law enforcement, security, the risk management community.

• With a special focus on the ultimate soft-target, our Nation’s schools, Kiernan believes preparedness is a mindset that can be learned and when practiced, prevents ordinary days from turning into extraordinary ones due to an active threat in any form, including those posed by insiders.

(Hear directly about the ‘Preparedness Without Paranoia’ Education and Training Series from Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, CEO & Founder of Kiernan Group Holdings. Courtsy of KGH and YouTube.)

• A 29-year veteran of Federal Law Enforcement, Dr. Kiernan retired as Assistant Director for the Office of Strategic Intelligence and Information for ATF, serves as a subject matter expert for the defense, intelligence, and law enforcement communities, and works with organizations making a difference in the world including the Business Executives for National Security (BENS) Resilience Council, the AFCEA Intelligence Committee, and the Center for Advanced Red Teaming (CART), University of Albany, SUNY.

• Dr. Kiernan believes experience brings an obligation to foster professional development in others through mentoring and education which she does both inside and outside of formal classrooms.

• She developed an approach to citizen engagement and education to increase confidence and decrease victimization in active threat environments.

• Her dedication to public service includes her support to Veteran organizations and her 18-year participation in the Susan G. Komen 3-Day Walk to raise awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards highlight 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.

The United States was forever changed 20 years ago on September 11th, and we were fortunate to have many of those who responded to those horrific tragedies join us at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

In the days that followed 9/11, the critical needs of protecting our country catapulted us into new and innovative ways to secure our homeland – which is how many of the agencies and enterprise organizations that are today ‘ASTORS’ Awards Champions, came into being.

Our 2021 keynote speaker featured a moving and informative address from TSA Administrator and Vice-Admiral of the United States Coast Guard (Ret), David Pekoske; to our attendees who traveled from across the United States and abroad, on the strategic priorities of the 64,000 member TSA workforce in securing the transportation system, enabling safe, and in many cases, contactless travel.

Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton of the New York Police Department, the Boston Police Department, and former Chief of the Los Angeles Police Department was also live at the event, meeting with attendees and signing copies of his latest work ‘The Profession: A Memoir of Community, Race, and the Arc of Policing in America,’ courtesy of the generosity of our 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Premier Sponsors.

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS), New Premier Sponsors Rajant Corporation, and guardDog AI, and returning Sponsors to date, Automatic Systems, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will emphasize 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. #MentorshipMatters

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2022 in New York City!

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification	Personal/Protective Equipment	Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System	Interagency Interdiction Operation	Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition	Body Worn Video Product	Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS	Mobile Technology	Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics	Disaster Preparedness	ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera	Mass Notification System	Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection	Rescue Operations	Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition	Detection Products	COVID Innovations
Workforce Management	Government Security Programs	And Many Others to Choose From!

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.

In 2021 over 200 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 which included:

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

• ICE Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI)

• Customs & Border Protection (CBP)

• The Federal Protective Service (FPS)

• Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)

• DHS Science & Technology (S&T)

• The National Center for Disaster Medicine & Public Health (NCDMPH)

• The American Red Cross

• The InfraGard National Alliance

• The Metropolitan Police (MPD)

• The U.S. Fire Administration (USFA)

• Naval Postgraduate School Center for Homeland Defense and Security (CHDS)

• The Federal Air Marshals Service

• The San Diego Harbor Police Foundation, and Many More!

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their record of accomplishment include:

AlertMedia, Allied Universal, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems of America, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, HID Global, Mark43, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, Lumina Analytics, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Senstar Corporation, ShotSpotter, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and Wiresecure, 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 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 level 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.

(See just a few highlights of American Security Today’s 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon at ISC East. Courtesy of My Pristine Images and Vimeo.)

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, please see the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2021 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of Annual ‘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 serves as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2021 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 – Just to name a few), the 2021 ‘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 includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

• For a complete list of 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, begin HERE.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2021 ‘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

Subscribe to the AST Daily News Alert Here.

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InfraGard & NEC Join Forces in Fight Against Human Trafficking (Videos)