 |
|
Security from chaos
April 17, 2008There's safety (and security) in numbers - especially when those numbers are random. That's the lesson learned from a DHS-sponsored research project out of the University of Southern California (USC). The research is already helping to beef up security at LAX airport in Los Angeles, and it could soon be used across the country to predict and minimize risk.
Here's how it works: Computer software records the locations of routine, random vehicle checkpoints and canine searches at the airport. Police then provide data on possible terrorist targets and their relative importance. These data may change from one day to the next, or if there have been any security breaches or suspicious activity.
The computer runs, and-voilà-police get a model of where to go, and when. The software comes up with random decisions that are based on calculated probabilities of a terrorist attack at those locations, using mathematical algorithms.
The result: Security with airtight unpredictability. With the software, it's extremely difficult to predict police operations.
"What the airport was doing before was not truly statistically random; it was simply mixing things up," said computer science professor Milind Tambe. "What they have now is systematized, true randomization."
Tambe is with the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), a DHS Center of Excellence based at USC. CREATE works with government agencies and other researchers to evaluate the risks, the costs, and the consequences of terrorism. The center helps policymakers set priorities and find the best, most efficient ways to counter threats and prevent attacks.
It was Tambe who had an "ah-ha moment" in 2004 that led to the LAX project. He and his team use math and computers to study "multi-agent systems"-in other words, systems in which different software applications, robots, and people interact.
By nature, Tambe contends, humans cannot oversee purely random systems for an extended period. Invariably, they'll make decisions based on prior decisions. He recognized the parallels between this field and counterterrorism.
Praveen Paruchuri was a CREATE student at the time, and he, too, saw the connection. Then, in 2007, Paruchuri's Ph.D. dissertation on the subject caught the eye of CREATE Associate Director Erroll Southers. Southers serves as Chief of Intelligence and Counterterrorism with the Los Angeles World Airports Police Department, which supports LAX.
Soon thereafter, Tambe and Paruchuri tested the software, and the project was born as a six-month trial period. And it was given a snappy name, of course: Assistant for Randomized Monitoring over Routes, a.k.a. ARMOR.
ARMOR has recently completed its six-month trial, and airport officials have given the university the "thumbs up" to transfer the software over to LAX on a more permanent basis.
Meanwhile, other airports, agencies, and even businesses are starting to notice, Tambe said. It's a project that's attracting attention from coast to coast.
But, wait: What if terrorists get hold of ARMOR and use the same information" Couldn't they solve the predictability puzzle" Not really, Tambe said. "Even if they got the software and all the inputs, it'd be like rolling 50 different dice and expecting to correctly roll one combination of all 50 pairs."
US Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology
The result: Security with airtight unpredictability. With the software, it's extremely difficult to predict police operations.
"What the airport was doing before was not truly statistically random; it was simply mixing things up," said computer science professor Milind Tambe. "What they have now is systematized, true randomization."
Tambe is with the Center for Risk and Economic Analysis of Terrorism Events (CREATE), a DHS Center of Excellence based at USC. CREATE works with government agencies and other researchers to evaluate the risks, the costs, and the consequences of terrorism. The center helps policymakers set priorities and find the best, most efficient ways to counter threats and prevent attacks.
It was Tambe who had an "ah-ha moment" in 2004 that led to the LAX project. He and his team use math and computers to study "multi-agent systems"-in other words, systems in which different software applications, robots, and people interact.
By nature, Tambe contends, humans cannot oversee purely random systems for an extended period. Invariably, they'll make decisions based on prior decisions. He recognized the parallels between this field and counterterrorism.
Praveen Paruchuri was a CREATE student at the time, and he, too, saw the connection. Then, in 2007, Paruchuri's Ph.D. dissertation on the subject caught the eye of CREATE Associate Director Erroll Southers. Southers serves as Chief of Intelligence and Counterterrorism with the Los Angeles World Airports Police Department, which supports LAX.
Soon thereafter, Tambe and Paruchuri tested the software, and the project was born as a six-month trial period. And it was given a snappy name, of course: Assistant for Randomized Monitoring over Routes, a.k.a. ARMOR.
ARMOR has recently completed its six-month trial, and airport officials have given the university the "thumbs up" to transfer the software over to LAX on a more permanent basis.
Meanwhile, other airports, agencies, and even businesses are starting to notice, Tambe said. It's a project that's attracting attention from coast to coast.
But, wait: What if terrorists get hold of ARMOR and use the same information" Couldn't they solve the predictability puzzle" Not really, Tambe said. "Even if they got the software and all the inputs, it'd be like rolling 50 different dice and expecting to correctly roll one combination of all 50 pairs."
US Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology
Security Current Events and Security News RSSScientists watch as peptides control crystal growth with 'switches, throttles and brakes'
By producing some of the highest resolution images of peptides attaching to mineral surfaces, scientists have a deeper understanding how biomolecules manipulate the growth crystals. This research may lead to a new treatment for kidney stones using biomolecules.
Building the smart home wirelessly
Like the paperless office, the smart home has been a long time coming, but a report published in the International Journal of Internet Protocol Technology, suggests that radio tags coupled with mobile communications devices could soon provide seamless multimedia services to the home.
Experts: Failure to focus on farming will undermine global climate agreement and increase hunger
Alarmed by a substantial oversight in the global climate talks leading up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen next month, more than 60 of the world's most prominent agricultural scientists and leaders underscored how the almost total absence of agriculture in the agreement could lead to widespread famine and food shortages in the years ahead.
TEEB report released on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity for policy makers
Policy makers who factor the planet's multi-trillion dollar ecosystem services into their national and international investment strategies are likely to see far higher rates of return and stronger economic growth in the 21st century.
NIST demonstrates 'universal' programmable quantum processor
Physicists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have demonstrated the first "universal" programmable quantum information processor able to run any program allowed by quantum mechanics-the rules governing the submicroscopic world-using two quantum bits (qubits) of information.
Expert on terrorism warns about the implantation of radical Islamism in Spain since 11-M
Jihadist networks "have been trying to implement their structure in Spain" since the 2004 Madrid train bombings, and therefore it is necessary for police authorities to "design and implement solutions to reduce the magnitude of the jihadist structural phenomenon in Spain".
Rutgers Computer Scientists Work to Strengthen Online Security
If you forget your password when logging into an e-mail or online shopping Web site, the site will likely ask you a security question: What is your mother's maiden name? Where were you born?
Improving security with face recognition technology
A number of U.S. states now use facial recognition technology when issuing drivers licenses. Similar methods are also used to grant access to buildings and to verify the identities of international travelers. Historically, obtaining accurate results with this type of technology has been a time intensive activity.
A new computer simulator allows to design military strategies based on ants' movements
A researcher of the University of Granada has designed a new system for the mobility of military troops within a battlefield based on the mechanisms used by ant colonies to move using a commercial videogame.
Poll: Many parents, high-priority adults who tried to get H1N1 vaccine unable to get it
A new national poll from Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) researchers found that a majority of adults who tried to get the H1N1 vaccine for themselves or their children have been unable to do so.
More Security Current Events and Security News Articles
 |
Skylink SC-1000 Complete Wireless Alarm System by Skylink Skylink Wireless Alarm System... It's a complete WIRELESS security system that can be installed easily in minutes. It's ideal for your home, business office, stores, retail operations, wherever security is a concern. And thanks to the emergency dialer, there are no monthly charges because you don't have to sign up for additional monitoring services. The control panel can control up to 24 different sensors... triggering 120dB siren sounds, and sending a wireless signal to the emergency dialer that calls for help. Act ONLINE now... for some peace of mind! AVAILABLE SEPARATELY: Smoke / Carbon Monoxide, Extra Door / Window or Extra Motion Sensors - word search in our Store for 'Sensors'. Skylink Complete Wireless Alarm System |
 |
The Web Application Hacker's Handbook: Discovering and Exploiting Security Flaws by Dafydd Stuttard (Author), Marcus Pinto (Author) This book is a practical guide to discovering and exploiting security flaws in web applications. The authors explain each category of vulnerability using real-world examples, screen shots and code extracts. The book is extremely practical in focus, and describes in detail the steps involved in detecting and exploiting each kind of security weakness found within a variety of applications such as online banking, e-commerce and other web applications. The topics covered include bypassing login mechanisms, injecting code, exploiting logic flaws and compromising other users. Because every web application is different, attacking them entails bringing to bear various general principles, techniques and experience in an imaginative way. The most successful hackers go beyond this, and... |
 |
Driveway Patrol Sensor and Receiver Kit by TELEBrands Wireless Driveway Patrol alerts you the moment someone enters your property. SAVE BIG! As seen on TV! With the Driveway Patrol, you'll always have advanced notice that someone's on their way to your door. Compact, discreet motion-sensor unit installs on garage, mailbox, fencepost... nearly anywhere. And when triggered, it sends a wireless signal to the receiver unit, up to 400 feet away! When the unit's adjustable chime tells you you're about to have a visitor, you can prepare accordingly. Installs in minutes, no tools needed; Completely wireless; Alerts you to visitors, trespassers, deliveries and more; Sensor is extremely weather resistant. 3 5/8 x 1 1/2 x 5"h. Receiver uses 3 C batteries, 2 5/8 x 2 1/4 x 4 1/4"h. Sensor takes one 9V (not included). 2 lbs.; Order yours now! Driveway... |
 |
GE 50723 Motion Sensing Night Light by GE This motion sensing night light turns On automatically when motion is detected. The night light includes a safety back so the lamp cannot be touched during operation. The light will turn Off 60 seconds after the last detected movement and will not turn On |
 |
Security: A Novel by Stephen Amidon (Author) There isn't much crime in Stoneleigh, Massachusetts, a college town, a mountain getaway for the quietly rich. So when Edward Inman, owner of Stoneleigh Sentinel security, gets a late-night alarm from the home of one of his wealthiest clients, Doyle Cutler, he does a routine check and thinks nothing more of it—until a local student claims that she was sexually assaulted that night at Cutler’s house. Edward soon finds himself drawn into the girl's story, and his investigation leads him to his old girlfriend, whose teenage son may know the truth about what happened that night. Security is a timely, wry, and riveting story of adults and children, secret lives and civic culture, suspicion and sexual hysteria. |
 |
Skylink SC-100 Security System Deluxe Kit by Skylink The Skylink security system deluxe kit is a do-it-yourself wireless security system that is easy to install and ready to use. 4-zone system is designed for houses up to 3000 sq. ft., plus apartments, condos, offices and businesses. Application: Security system, Kit Includes: control panel, motion sensor, 2 door/window contact sensors, keychain transmitter, AC adapter and mounting hardware, Battery Included: Yes, Range (ft.): 100 |
 |
SVAT ISC200 Outdoor Imitation Security Camera with Blinking LED by SVAT Electronics Want to deter intruders or vandals without spending a lot of money on a security system? Then SVAT's imitation security cameras are the solution for you. The ISC200 is an imitation camera that looks like a real security camera. With the same external components as a functioning security camera, the ICS 200 is a realistic crime prevention investment. The activation LED light flashes also making the camera look like it is in operation. The actual wire adds reality. Neighbors and visitors will think that you have a complete video surveillance system. This unit can be easily mounted and aimed with its adjustable bracket. Help prevent or deter suspicious activity by placing the security camera in a noticeable place. The ISC200 can also heighten the effectiveness of an existing security system... |
 |
Introduction to Security, Eighth Edition by Robert Fischer Ph.D. (Author), Edward Halibozek MBA (Author), Gion Green (Author) Introduction to Security, 8th Edition, has been the leading introduction to private security for over thirty years, celebrated for its balanced and professional approach to this increasingly important area. Now the eighth edition expands the key topics and adds material on important issues in the 21st c environment. The author team brings together top-level professional experience in industry with years of teaching experience. As a recommended title for security certifications, it is a crucial resource for the 30,000+ ASIS International members, and is also used as a core security textbook in universities throughout the country. This is Butterworth-Heinemann's best-selling security text of all time, an essential reference for all security professionals. ... |
 |
GE 51107 Smart Home Wireless Alarm System Kit by GE GE Alarm Kit With Window/Door and Deluxe Door Alarm 51107 3 AAA Batteries. Easy to use system. Features: -Deluxe door alarm with a four-digit keypad for entering a custom code -Three window alarms -Easy installation that requires no wires or drilling -120-dB alarms for maximum protection -Chime mode that sounds each time a door or window is opened |
 |
Security Metrics: Replacing Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt by Andrew Jaquith (Author) The Definitive Guide to Quantifying, Classifying, and Measuring Enterprise IT Security Operations
Security Metrics is the first comprehensive best-practice guide to defining, creating, and utilizing security metrics in the enterprise.
Using sample charts, graphics, case studies, and war stories, Yankee Group Security Expert Andrew Jaquith demonstrates exactly how to establish effective metrics based on your organization’s unique requirements. You’ll discover how to quantify hard-to-measure security activities, compile and analyze all relevant data, identify strengths and weaknesses, set cost-effective priorities for improvement, and craft compelling messages... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |