Since 2022, NEC National Security Systems (NSS) and the InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit organization, have partnered to combat the human trafficking epidemic.
Human trafficking continues to be a major issue globally. It is one of the world’s most profitable criminal enterprises, second only to the illicit drug trade, with illegal profits estimated to be more than 150 billion dollars annually.
In the fight against human trafficking, InfraGard National and NEC National Security Systems, both ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award CHAMPIONS for ‘Excellence in Public Safety’ * – have come together to raise awareness, share information, and create safer, more empowered communities.
The cornerstones of this initiative have been an ongoing educational webinar series and a popular “Tip of the Week” social media campaign, which have jointly educated thousands of individuals about human trafficking.
Every year, thousands of children become victims of crimes.
Through these ongoing educational webinar series, private sector and law enforcement experts provide valuable perspectives about human trafficking, abductions, sexual exploitation, and online predation and how to raise awareness to combat these crimes.
Another webinar took a deep dive into The Human Trafficking Toll: Stories of Survival.
Often illustrated by grim statistics, the true toll of this insidious crime can only be found in the real-life experiences of individuals who are victimized as modern-day slaves. A survivor shared his harrowing and inspiring story of overcoming childhood sexual exploitation, a heinous crime often hidden in plain sight.
Attendees also learned about innovative methods of victim engagement and victim-centered principles to support human trafficking survivors.
Additional InfraGard National and NEC National Security Systems educational webinars in the series explored subjects such as human trafficking hot spots in the travel and tourism industry, which is especially vulnerable to trafficking activity, from the movement of victims via airplanes, buses, and trains to the use of hotels and motels as part of trafficking operations.
Traffickers also often chase large markets, such as major sporting events, or attempt to sexually exploit children via voluntourism activities where trust can be manipulated.
(The DHS Blue Campaign, also recognized in the annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, created this public service announcement to show how sex trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servitude situations are recognized by bystanders only after they are forced to “crash” into reality. Courtesy of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and YouTube.)
“It is our honor to support InfraGard Members National Alliance in a combined mission to combat the global criminal enterprise which supports human trafficking, forced labor, sexual slavery, and childhood sexual exploitation,” explains Kathleen Kiernan, President, NEC National Security Systems.
“We view this partnership not only as a privilege but also as a human obligation and responsibility to bring all available resources to the fight.”
“As our motto indicates, we at NEC and NEC NSS are committed to ‘Orchestrate a Brighter World’ – one free from this crime.”
The next webinar, scheduled for February 20, is titled Sextortion: A Rapidly Escalating Threat – Examining the Epidemic, the Role of Social Media, Strategies and Solutions.
This webinar will examine this escalating crisis, who and where the offenders are, the role of social media, the harm being done, and possible strategies and solutions.
The distinguished panel of experts will include:
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Ernie Allen, OBE, is the founding chairman of the London-based WeProtect Global Alliance.
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Ernie is considered a global expert on the issues of child protection, including online sexual abuse and exploitation, as well as public-private partnerships, the digital economy, the Dark Web, and child protection, including child abduction, human trafficking, child abuse, and exploitation.
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Ernie serves as an advisor to governments, law enforcement, technology companies, NGOs, the Vatican, and others.
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Mike Prado is the Deputy Assistant Director (SES) of HSI Cyber Crimes Center (C3)***.
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In this position, Mike leads a law enforcement workforce that uses cutting-edge technology and 21st-century investigative techniques to combat cyber and cyber-facilitated transnational criminal activity.
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John Shehan is the Senior VP of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)**.
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John is responsible for NCMEC’s operations relating to sexual crimes against children.
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Melissa Stroebel is the VP of Research & Insights at Thorn (previously known as DNA Foundation), which is a 501(c)(3) international anti-human trafficking organization that works to address the sexual exploitation of children.
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Melissa is a subject matter expert and drives strategic research examining emerging threats.
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Jacqueline Beauchere is the Global Head of Platform Safety at Snap Inc. (including Snapchat).
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Jacqueline joined Snap in September 2021 as Snap’s first Global Head of Platform Safety.
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In addition to the webinar series, the InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA) and NEC National Security Systems (NSS) social media campaign on human trafficking awareness has been hugely successful, reaching nearly 30,000 individuals in 2023 alone.
Their “Tip of the Week” campaign provides useful facts and recommendations, ranging from how to identify and report suspected trafficking activity to staying safe on social media and remaining vigilant while traveling during the holiday season.
Given InfraGard National’s audience of security stakeholders, the level of engagement has been high, with content being reshared to create tens of thousands of impressions.
“Our mission is to protect U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people,” said Doug Farber, Chairman, InfraGard National Members Alliance. “InfraGard National is an information-sharing organization, and for the past two years, we have successfully reached tens of thousands of people to raise awareness about human trafficking.”
“Countering this violent crime requires a whole community approach that includes law enforcement, private industry, the nonprofit sector, and the general public.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Kathleen Kiernan and the NEC National Security Systems team for their generosity in making this educational program possible. It truly has the potential to protect the most vulnerable and ultimately save lives.”
“Every single webinar expands knowledge and education on how to identify and report this type of victimization,” added Dr. Kiernan. The return on investment in our future and the lives of our children is incalculable.”
InfraGard National Members Alliance is an FBI-affiliated independent nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people. Established in 2003, INMA is the private sector component of the FBI’s InfraGard program, a partnership between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and private sector members to protect U.S. critical infrastructure.
INMA comprises 74 InfraGard Member Alliances, nonprofit organizations representing INMA locally. Through these alliances, law enforcement and the American business community can collaborate on educational programs, training events, and information-sharing initiatives that strengthen national security and the foundation of American life.
(Learn More about NEC, a proud Diamond Sponsor of InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA), an FBI-affiliated non-profit organization dedicated to protecting U.S. critical infrastructure and the American people. NEC and InfraGard National Members Alliance are co-creating solutions to prevent and combat human tracking. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America and YouTube.)
NEC National Security Systems, Inc. (NSS) is a leading biometric identity and AI technology provider for federal government agencies in defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security.
Based in Arlington, Va., NSS deploys proven groundbreaking technology for access control, identity verification, scene processing, advanced analytics, fiber optic sensing, border control, and transportation security, among other applications.
The company was launched in 2020 as a wholly owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America and operates under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the US Government as a FOCI-mitigated entity, free of foreign ownership, control, and influence.
NSS provides full-service solutions for large agencies using the intellectual property and resources of the global NEC brand. NEC Corporation is a global technology leader within 140 countries and $27 billion in revenues.
(Hear the latest from NEC NSS President Dr. Kathleen Kiernan in this exclusive interview at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Government Excellence Awards Ceremony at ISC East in NYC. Courtesy of AST and Vimeo.)
To Learn More, please visit www.necnss.com.
NEC NSS Sweeps the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards, the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, now entering its Ninth Year, recognizes 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 (First of Three)
Best Facial/IRIS Recognition Solution
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NEC Face/Iris Capture
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NEC National Security Systems (NSS), a Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI)-mitigated subsidiary under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the U.S. Government, provides full-service solutions for large agencies using the intellectual property and resources of the global NEC brand.
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NEC has partnered with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency, the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM), and the Department of State (DoS) Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL) Digitus project in Mexico, to deploy their two most prominent matching engines, AIM XM and AIM-ES, to the AWS cloud environment.
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The NEC Face/Iris Capture system combines NEC’s number-one-ranked face recognition technology with its number-one-ranked iris recognition technology to create a highly accurate (false acceptance rate of 1 in 10 billion) identity verification system. In addition to high accuracy, the system quickly authenticates registered users by simply standing in front of the terminal.
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Even under conditions where individuals may be wearing masks, goggles, or gloves, NEC’s Face/Iris Capture is capable of maintaining its high accuracy, ensuring convenience to the user without compromising security. The system can be integrated into various access control and payment systems as an added layer of security without disturbing existing workflows.
(NEC aims to eliminate the risk of spoofing and malicious attacks by building a highly advanced authentication system that turns each individual’s critical bio information into a “key” to unlock the door to the digital world. Bio-IDiom combines multiple biometric authentication technologies that take safety to a higher level and create a new value in biometrics with face, fingerprint, and iris recognition technologies. NEC’s biometric technologies are focused on supporting society’s safety, security, efficiency, and equality while maximizing each technology’s advantages. Courtesy of NEC and YouTube.)
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This cloud-native architected platform supports the characteristics of cloud computing noted in NIST Special Publication 800-145, The NIST Definition of Cloud Computing—on-demand, self-service, broad network access, resource pooling, rapid elasticity, and measured services.
NEC NATIONAL SECURITY Systems (Second of Three)
Best Perimeter Protection Solution
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Intelligent Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (IPIDS)
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The NEC Intelligent Perimeter Intrusion Detection System (IPIDS) combines NEC’s global expertise in transoceanic fiber cable with advances in machine learning-based artificial intelligence to create a cutting-edge perimeter security system.
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IPIDS can detect physical intrusions and disturbances above ground, underground, and underwater by optical fibers connected to a centrally located interrogator, which sends and receives light to the optical fiber. Physical intrusions like fence climbing or digging create vibrations, which the interrogator interprets as changes in light.
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Then, the IPIDS machine learning-based AI classifies and locates the physical intrusion and sends an alert to our customizable graphical user interface. The machine learning-based AI can differentiate between anomalies like digging, fencing climbing, fence cutting, human walking or running, vehicles moving, and low-flying aircraft.
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NEC IPIDScan also pinpoint where the anomaly occurs within 1 m (3 ft). The tuning of these alerts creates a highly accurate alerting system with a low nuisance alarm rate for a reliable perimeter security system with a low cost of ownership.
(NEC NSS IPIDS uses state-of-the-art optical fiber sensing, video analytics, machine vision, computer vision, AI, machine learning, deep learning, and sensor fusion to achieve real-time and ubiquitous situational awareness of physical security threats and anomalies. Courtesy of NEC and YouTube.)
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IPIDS covertly, quickly, reliably, and accurately detect, locate, and prompt automated video verification and trigger escalated security response. Featuring industry-disruptive probability of detection, nuisance alarm rate, and total cost of ownership, IPIDS can be used in the US Federal government’s various programs and systems, such as Anti-terrorism/Force Protection, Integrated Base Defense, Electronic Security, Emergency Management, Public Safety, Protective Distribution, and Linear Ground Detection.
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Additionally, NEC’s IPIDS is immune to electromagnetic interference and requires no electrical power in the field, making it ideal for monitoring both near and remote areas, and one interrogator can detect anomalies along up to 160 km (100mi) of optical fiber, contributing to low equipment and installation costs.
NEC NATIONAL SECURITY Systems (Third of Three)
Best Pedestrian Entrance Control Solution
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NEC Gateless Entry
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NEC’s Gateless Entry Solution combines the global No. 1 face algorithm with proprietary person re-identification technology to allow fast and reliable entry control at speed for groups of people.
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NEC’s Gateless Entry technology provides accurate matching, even if people are facing away from the camera or their bodies are occluded.
(Hear from Frost and Sullivan analyst Danielle VanZandt about how NEC is the leader in pushing the biometric industry forward, about today’s biometric authentication trends, and how it will progress in the future. Courtesy of NEC Corporation and YouTube.)
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Gateless Entry innovative from NEC eliminates the need for traditional or guarded security gates, reducing bottlenecks and wait times without affecting a site’s or event’s security.
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NEC’s Gateless Entry allows large groups of people to be authenticated simultaneously, smoothly, without stopping. If a person whose face image has not been registered in advance enters the area, an alert can be displayed above their head or on a security monitor nearby.
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*AST is delighted to welcome back Returning PLATINUM Awards Sponsor NEC National Security Systems, to the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program.
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NEC National Security Systems is a subsidy of NEC Corporation of America (NECAM), recognized for Six Consecutive Years in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Programs.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2024 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program 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 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 continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Government Excellence Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2024.
So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2024 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon in November of 2024 in New York City!
In 2023, this exclusive sold-out event featured at ISC East, well over two hundred representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders 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 future generations.
Comprehensive collaborations between these private and public sectors have led to the development of innovative intelligence and technologies that serve to protect our Nation.
Steven Dettelbach, Director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) and Explosives, delivered the keynote address at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security and Excellence in Public Safety Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon.
Director Dettelbach spoke with passion on the epidemic of Gun Violence by Illegal Guns taking place across the United States, which results in over 125 deaths daily and impacting generations of families – leaving open chairs at holiday events.
Firearm injuries were the leading case of death for children for the third year in a row, he explained, and have doubled in the U.S. since 2021, levels that are simply intolerable.
Director Dettelbach lauded the strong partnerships with Federal, State, Local, and Tribal Policing that ATF has earned and relies upon to reduce violence and spoke with admiration as a former prosecutor on the selfless sense of mission and drive that is universal across the entire First Responder Community.
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.
The ‘ASTORS’ was 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.
(See a few highlights during the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security and Government Excellence Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in NYC during ISC East on November 16, 2023. Courtesy of AST, My Pristine Images, and Vimeo.)
The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)
And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:
ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,
Guard Dog AI, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!
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 and brings forward a fresh, compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorials that provide 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 Private and 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 the 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 and Dams, Bridges and Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting and Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools and 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 2023 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2023 ‘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.
It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2023 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 2023 ‘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 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2024 ‘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.
*NEC National Security Systems (NSS) and the InfraGard National Members Alliance (INMA)* recognized in American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Government Excellence Awards Programs.
**The NMEC CyberTipline and the FBI’s Active Shooter Program are also recognized in American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Government Excellence Awards Programs.
***ICE HSI Honored in 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program
Learn More…
Dangerous Connections: Youth Face a Risk of Sextortion Online (Multi-Video)
NEC NSS and InfraGard National Partner to Fight Human Trafficking
