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DHS releases detection tool for Conficker worm

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is releasing a detection tool to scan their networks for the Conficker/Downadup computer worm, DHS annnounced in a news release on Monday.  The release includes instructions for a simple home test for the worm.

• Download the release.

Commentary: 'Disaster Declarations'

In the latest edition of "Just a Minute for Homeland Security" (a weekly public radio commentary produced by the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M University and KAMU 90.9 FM), Dr. Dave McIntyre, director of the Integrative Center for Homeland Security at Texas A&M, says:

"The Federal response to emergencies and disasters is guided by the Stafford Act. Passed in 1988, it grants the President alone the authority to issue an 'Emergency Declaration' BEFORE an event, releasing aid to protect property, public health and safety, and reduce the threat that an incident will become a disaster. AFTER an event, the President alone can release a 'Disaster Declaration,' providing broader assistance to states, local governments, families and individuals. In both cases, FEMA oversees most of this aid."

• Listen to the show.
• Read the transcript.

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DHS publishes concept of operations for fusion centers

The Department of Homeland Security has released a 47-page "State and Local Fusion Center Concept of Operations." From the executive summary:

"The purpose of this State and Local Fusion Center Concept of Operations (CONOPS) is to establish a framework for a comprehensive, coordinated and consistent approach for outreach by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to State and Local Fusion Centers (SLFCs). This CONOPS outlines DHS processes relating to SLFC support including intelligence and operational information flows and interactions, deployment of officers, component integration, and identification of SLFC requirements, technical assistance and training. DHS will also ensure outreach, communication, and integration with other multidisciplinary partners (i.e., fire service, public health, and emergency management), to further ensure and facilitate information sharing between SLFCs and these disciplines."

• Download this document.

MASTT seminar invites McIntyre to lecture on terrorism past and present

ICHS Director Dr. David H. McIntyre will present a lecture about the new and old faces of terrorism during the Maritime Awareness, Security & Terrorism Training (MASTT) seminar on April 29 in Houston.

Organized by the Joint Area Training Workgroup of the Area Maritime Security Committee (AMSC), MASTT provides training and information to the U.S. port public safety community on topics including terrorism trends and prevention, maritime law, hazardous materials, weather mitigation and the National Incident Management System. Over the last six years, the seminar series has trained more than 800 maritime officials, law enforcement officers, first responders, and security managers of public and private facilities along the Houston seaport. 

This year's seminar MASTT will be held at the Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Blvd in Houston. Dr. McIntyre will begin his presentation at 3:30 p.m.

New video from the Bring It Home Channel: 'What is the Nature of War?'

The United States cannot hope to attain lasting peace unless Americans better understand war, says ICHS Director Dr. Dave McIntyre in this presentation from the Bring It Home Channel.

Terrorism workshop scheduled for July 9-16

The Fifth Annual Summer Workshop On Teaching about Terrorism is set for July 9-16 at the University of Oklahoma (Norman, OK).

• Download the promotional flier.

CRS report recommends more oversight of biodefense research labs

The Congressional Research Service has issued a new report that advocates to expand oversight of biodefense research facilities, "Oversight of High-Containment Biological Laboratories: Issues for Congress," March 5, 2009.  A copy of the new report was obtained by Secrecy News.

"High-containment laboratories play a critical role in the biodefense effort, offering the hope of better responses to an attack and a better understanding of the threat posed by bioterrorism. However, they also could increase the risk of a biological attack by serving as a potential source of materials or training. Indeed, the Commission on the Prevention of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferation and Terrorism recommends tightening government oversight of high-containment laboratories.

"Policymakers have become increasingly interested in the oversight of these facilities following reports of accidents, regulatory noncompliance, and community resistance. The increase in high containment laboratory capacity has raised new policy questions and emphasized existing ones. How much laboratory capacity is enough? What is the necessary federal investment? Should laboratories be consolidated or dispersed? What plans exist to coordinate multiple agency efforts to expand high-containment laboratory capacity? Does increasing laboratory capacity increase the risk of accidents and the opportunity for purposeful misuse? What is an acceptable balance between the benefits these laboratories provide and the risks they pose?"

Also, we suggest you download "Germs, Viruses, and Secrets: The Silent Proliferation of Bio-Laboratories in the United States"), House Committee on Energy and Commerce, October 4, 2007 (published December 2008).

Report explores role of Congress in national cyber security

A new report from the Congressional Research Service explores the role of Congress in establishing and overseeing national cyber security. From the introduction:

"In January 2008, the Bush Administration established the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (the CNCI) by a classified joint presidential directive. The CNCI establishes a multipronged approach the federal government is to take in identifying current and emerging cyber threats, shoring up current and future telecommunications and cyber vulnerabilities, and responding to or proactively addressing entities that wish to steal or manipulate protected data on secure federal systems.

"On February 9, 2009, President Obama initiated a 60-day interagency cybersecurity review to develop a strategic framework to ensure the CNCI is being appropriately integrated, resourced, and coordinated with Congress and the private sector.

"In response to the CNCI and other proposals, questions have emerged regarding: (1) the adequacy of existing legal authorities—statutory or constitutional—for responding to cyber threats; and (2) the appropriate roles for the executive and legislative branches in addressing cybersecurity. The new and emerging nature of cyber threats complicates these questions. Although existing statutory provisions might authorize some modest actions, inherent constitutional powers currently provide the most plausible legal basis for many potential executive responses to national security related cyber incidences. Given that cyber threats originate from various sources, it is difficult to determine whether actions to prevent cyber attacks fit within the traditional scope of executive power to conduct war and foreign affairs. Nonetheless, under the Supreme Court jurisprudence, it appears that the President is not prevented from taking action in the cybersecurity arena, at least until Congress takes further action. Regardless, Congress has a continuing oversight and appropriations role. In addition, potential government responses could be limited by individuals’ constitutional rights or international laws of war. This report discusses the legal issues and addresses policy considerations related to the CNCI."

• Download the report.

McIntyre discusses U.S.-Mexico border violence with six FOX News Radio stations

Dr. Dave McIntyre, ICHS director and co-host of "Homeland Security: Inside & Out," made a radio tour of six FOX News Radio stations this morning to talk about the chaos along the U.S.-Mexico border caused by drug cartel violence -- and the challenge it poses to U.S. homeland security.

He appeared on:

• WJNO 1290 AM, West Palm Beach, Fla.
• KFAQ 1170 AM, Tulsa, Okla.
• WHAS 840 AM, Louisville, Ky.
• KOGO, 600 AM, San Diego
• WGST 640 AM, Atlanta
• KPEY 1290 AM, Northern California

Starting March 17: 'Homeland Security: Inside & Out' airs TWICE weekly in D.C.

Our new schedule:

• Tuesdays at noon Eastern with an encore on Sundays at 9 p.m. Eastern on WFED 1500 AM in Washington D.C.
• Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Central on KAMU 90.9 FM in College Station, Texas

Starting on March 17, Homeland Security: Inside and Out will air twice weekly on WFED 1500 AM in Washington, D.C. WFED will broadcast the show Tuesdays at noon Eastern, with an encore Sundays at 9 p.m. Eastern. The program will simulcast on www.federalnewsradio.com and on WFED 820 AM in Frederick, Md.

Over the past three years, Homeland Security Inside and Out has interviewed more than 600 experts, ranging from national leaders (White House, US Senate and House, Department Secretaries, mayors and governors, EU officials, Canadian leaders, and Mexican legislators) to journalists, educators, business leaders and local responders. Learn more about the show, our podcasts and other online resources at www.hlsinsideandout.org.