Guest Editorial by Mike McMahon, President, Getac North America

With law enforcement and first response data being targeted by bad actors and the growing threat of cyberspace being used as a theater of war, the rugged laptops used in the defense of our nation, which offer access to sensitive information and infrastructure, must offer security features.

Authentication Security

Multi-factor authentication is now a zero-trust security standard – mandated by all federal agencies by the end of the 2024 fiscal year by Cybersecurity Executive Order 14028.

All current Windows devices support it with password, facial recognition, and fingerprint scan authentication.  However, rugged devices are often also configurable for RFID or smart card scanning.

Data Security

All current Windows devices feature Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0., a dedicated cryptographic processor, either virtual or physical (on the motherboard), used as a storage drive that encrypts authentication data. File and drive-level encryption (i.e., BitLocker) is available on all Windows enterprise devices.

Physical Security

Regarding cybersecurity, it can be easy to fixate on the latest and greatest digital features. However, there’s still no substitute for a Kensington lock slot (which discourages device theft by tethering it in place in a manner similar to a bicycle lock).

A laptop’s microphone and webcam may also need to be removable in certain scenarios, and a shutter for the webcam is necessary if it is not removable.

“Beyond-the-Specs” Security

When vetting rugged laptops and their vendors, the information you find online regarding a particular model will often target a non-specific global audience and, therefore, might not mention additional security features specifically required by certain nations, jurisdictions, agencies, or service branches.

Such features might include Secret Internet Protocol Router/Non-Classified Protocol Router (SIPR/NIPR) capability, compliance with Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), theft protection in the BIOS controls and device setting lockout, optical drive security, Data At Rest (DAR) security, and additional chip/OS manufacturer security safeguards.

The Getac B360: Rugged Mobile Computing Without Compromise

(Combining a super-bright screen with advanced computing and connectivity, the #Getac #B360 #fullyruggedlaptop series raises the bar for mobile productivity in all environments. Courtesy of Getac Rugged Solutions and YouTube.)

The Getac B360 laptop offers security features already mentioned and more and provides all the durability and stress tolerances of a fully-rugged device, with a lighter, slimmer profile more typical of a semi-rugged model while still delivering a 1,400-nit sunlight-readable screen, dual user-removable PCIe NVMe solid state drives (up to 4TB), and ample computing power.

This rugged device is built for law enforcement, first responders, and defense customers who need top-of-the-line security and uncompromised productivity in diverse environments.

Getac Technology Corporation is a global leader in rugged mobile technology and intelligent video solutions, including laptops, tablets, software, body-worn cameras, in-car video systems, digital evidence management, and enterprise video analytics solutions.

(Find out more about Getac and its rugged computing solutions. Courtesy of Getac Rugged Solutions and YouTube.)

Getac’s solutions and services are designed to enable extraordinary experiences for frontline workers in challenging environments, and the company serves customers in over 100 countries, spanning defense, public safety, ambulance, fire & rescue, utilities, automotive, natural resources, manufacturing, transport, and logistics.

About the Author

Mike McMahon is the President of Getac North America

Mike is experienced in the rugged OEM computing business on both the end user and channel side.

His unique perspective on rugged technology spans Enterprise, Public Safety, and Federal markets. 

To learn more, please visit http://www.getac.com. 

 

GETAC Takes Platinum in 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.

 

GETAC Technology Corporation

Best Mobile Technology Product Solution

• B360

• The Getac B360 is a modern, full-size, and fully rugged laptop designed for field service, utilities, manufacturing, military, and public safety markets that require both the raw computing power and the versatility and mobility that comes with a lighter, more compact, fully rugged package.

• The Getac B360 delivers all the benefits of a fully rugged device, yet it’s not larger or heavier than traditional semi-rugged laptops.

• The B360 delivers top-of-the-line capabilities in all areas, is easy to carry, comfortable to use, and is certified fully rugged, with cutting-edge wireless capabilities and a 1,400-nit screen readable even on the brightest days. With dual user-removable PCIe NVMe SSDs (up to 4TB), the B360 enables enhanced data security for industries such as Public Safety, Utilities, and Manufacturing.

 

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security, Public Safety, and Government Excellence Awards is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon.

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.)

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.

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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