Since the early 2000s, our armed forces have incorporated biometric technologies to gather and maintain intelligence on threat actors in theaters abroad.
The advent of the Department of Defense’s Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS) drastically increased situational awareness for servicemen and women on the ground in Afghanistan and Iraq and continues to thwart adversary’s attempts at obscuring their identity.
While advanced for their time, biometric collection devices used in the Middle East were physically oversized yet limited in data storage, requiring a direct connection to the ABIS to identify persons encountered in the field.
This created extended exposure to or unintended release of potential unknown threats.
Though the combat landscape has changed over the past 20 years, identity intelligence (I2) continues to play an important role. Unfortunately, there are still service members using yesterday’s technology to support today’s mission with no clear path to updated I2 capabilities.
USMC Challenge
Through an Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate (AFRL/RI) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) Request for Proposal Prototype (RFPP), the United States Marine Corps (USMC) requested a next-generation identity intelligence solution; a highly mobile, distributed edge computing platform system able to aggregate resources and provide communications across individual nodes without reach-back to a larger data center or cloud-based resources.
Their legacy identity intelligence solution requires data connectivity to these data centers which are likely not available in the denied, degraded, intermittent, and low bandwidth (DDIL) environments in which they typically operate.
NEC Solution
To support current and future requirements, NEC National Security Systems (NSS) developed the Expeditionary Identity Intelligence prototype (EI2P) integrating Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) hardware with its highly awarded NeoFace biometric matching algorithms.
In addition to its static face, finger, and iris biometric collection capability, the EI2P can dynamically collect face images through a still image or live video stream from a body-worn camera.
All images are processed through onboard biometric template database for rapid matching or ad-hoc enrollment in the field. Furthermore, the prototype is being built to share enrollments and match results across multiple units via a mesh network.
The prototype enrolls biometric and biographic data into a DoD standard Electronic Biometric Transmission Specification (EBTS) format for ease of cross-system transfers and communication.
The prototype is designed to be mobile and relatively lightweight, providing a mesh network of nodes sharing data. The mesh network allows for instantaneous communications of collected data and notification when persons of interest have been matched.
All three biometric modalities, face, finger, and iris can be collected in the field (along with associated biographic information) and processed for identification against a data set containing persons of interest.
(Learn More. NEC National Security Systems (NEC NSS) recently showcased several of its latest #AI and #biometric technologies, including its #digital #identity management #platform and #iris recognition capabilities, at the connect:ID 2021 conference in Washington, D.C. Additionally, several NEC NSS experts presented and participated in speaking sessions to discuss key issues in homeland security and public safety. Courtesy of NEC Corporation of America and YouTube.)
Future Applications
While initially developed with the USMC in mind, NEC NSS envisions many other potential applications for this prototype. Imagine the ability to expand a security perimeter around bases or strategic facilities by outfitting servicemen and women with this solution.
The ability to cover potential gaps or blind spots while providing actionable intelligence distributed across a large campus could be beneficial to ever-increasing needs in diligent security postures.
Law Enforcement agencies could have the ability to provide localized surveillance, covering a larger area and enabling quicker response from supporting officers. Officers would have the ability to move through large groups, locate and identify persons of interest, and reduce security risks while protecting the public from those risks.
NEC National Security Systems (NSS), began operations in 2015, as the Federal office of NEC Advanced Recognition Systems, and launched in 2020 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of NEC Corporation of America. NEC NSS will operate under a Special Security Agreement (SSA) with the U.S. Government, free of foreign ownership, control, and influence (FOCI).
NEC NSS provides digital identification solutions enhanced by AI technologies to Federal defense, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security agencies.
To learn more about NEC NSS and its solutions, please visit www.necnss.com.
Learn More…
(Learn More, as Heather Issvoran, the Director of Strategic Communications for the Center for Homeland Defense and Security interviews Carol Lucas on the topic of Biometric Identity. Lucas is a Senior Strategic Planner for the Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and she discusses how DHS utilizes biometrics within the evolving realm of technology. Courtesy of the Center for Homeland Defense and Security Naval Postgraduate School [a 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winner for Excellence in Homeland Security], and YouTube.)
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
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NeoFace, deployed by Leidos
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Best Federal Govt/DoD Access Control Management
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NEC National Security Systems (NSS) provides full-service solutions for large agencies using the intellectual property and resources of the global NEC brand.
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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.
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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.
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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
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NEC I:Delight
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Best Integrated Security Management System
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Excellence in National Security for Traveler Security Management
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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.
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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.
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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 .
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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
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NEC NeoFace Thermal Express
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Best COVID-19 Detection Solution
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Excellence in Innovation for Airport/Aviation Safety
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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*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
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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.
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KGH serves customers across the US Government trade space, law enforcement, security, the risk management community.
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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.)
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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.
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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.
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She developed an approach to citizen engagement and education to increase confidence and decrease victimization in active threat environments.
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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.
AST Honors Thomas Richardson, FDNY Chief of Department; Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Systems; and Richard Blatus, FDNY Assistant Chief of Operations, at the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon at ISC East.
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 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by AMAROK, Fortior Solutions and SIMS Software, along with Returning Premier Sponsors ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, and Reed Exhibitions.
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!
2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program Welcomes New PLATINUM SPONSOR: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)!
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.
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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
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