The mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is to "secure the nation from the many threats we face." An underlooked key to this statement is the word "many." Agencies under the Department are responsible for managing our borders, protecting the nation from cyber and physical threats, and supporting recovery from natural disasters and cyber attacks. To meet this mission, DHS has been embracing innovative approaches and emerging technology to supplement the efforts of the workforce charged with meeting these varied threats.
The DHS Innovation, Research & Development Strategic Plan laid out eight scientific areas as focal points for research to support national security:
- Advanced sensing
- AI and autonomous systems
- Biotechnology
- Climate change
- Communications and networking
- Cybersecurity
- Data integration, analytics, modeling, and simulation
- Digital identity and trust
As part of its work in each of these areas, DHS will be researching how emerging technology can support mission efforts as well as the risks technology poses to national security. In this blog, we'll take a look at the activity in a couple of these areas.
Artificial Intelligence
The DHS Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board, made up of AI experts from the private sector, academia, government, and industry advocacy groups, provides insight to the Department to ensure AI and machine learning systems adequately protect the public. The formation of a board was mandated in the 2023 Executive Order on AI and is part of DHS's overall approach to understanding and mitigating digital threats aimed at the networks that govern critical infrastructure operations. The board will help evaluate the safety and security concerns of AI solutions implemented by organizations DHS governs. It will also help drive strategies to mitigate the threats posed by adversarial use of AI.
Securing the use of AI extends beyond our borders, and DHS is prepared to be part of global conversations and action. A report from the DHS Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office looked specifically at reducing the risks of AI related to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats. The report details the importance of building consensus among international groups that oversee national security, public health, as well as food and agriculture, to fully understand adversaries' capabilities with AI in each of those areas. With this understanding, the risks can be mitigated.
Digital Identity and Trust
DHS is looking at ways to utilize modern identity tools, such as biometric-driven solutions, across a number of agencies. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has been using facial recognition at airports since 2022, along with solutions from privately run programs like CLEAR. Additionally, TSA is working to accommodate mobile driver's licenses, which are now being issued by nine states, as a verifiable form of ID.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection's CBP One app has introduced a voluntary feature that collects a selfie photo with geolocation tracking to confirm that non-immigrant travelers actually departed. This verification can help reduce travel document fraud and improve the agency's "ability to identify criminals and known or suspected terrorists."
Of course, digitization of identification brings with it questions of security. For example, legislation has been introduced to require TSA to submit a report that describes "the current state of digital identity ecosystems and the homeland security value of emerging digital identity ecosystems in the transportation sector." This would include the benefits and risks of digital identity technologies, including the efficacy of facial recognition and the security of personally identifiable information.
Climate Change
As a whole, DHS is actively launching information campaigns to inform citizens about climate-related risks--extreme heat, flooding, wildfire, and drought--and to provide details on the role individuals and the Department play in mitigating these risks.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) declared 2024 the Year of Resilience. Investments made this year and into the future will take into account the effects of climate change to ensure that areas are rebuilt or fortified to mitigate damage from future incidents. For example, recovery projects following Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico have not just rebuilt infrastructure but hardened it against damage from future storms of the same or greater magnitude. Infiltration trenches, constructed when rebuilding roads there, allow rainwater to filter into the soil. These help reduce the rate of water discharge in order to prevent erosion and landslides.
Additionally, FEMA is looking to upgrade a number of outdated systems, including the The National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS). This tool originated in the 1970s and initially relied on paper-based reports. While it has been updated and digitized over the years, it cannot meet the logistical demands of modern fires. For example, fire departments cannot share information about the cause of the fires they encounter within the system, hampering the ability to collect data and plan prevention strategies.
We'll explore additional areas in future posts. Until then, check out these events and resources providing additional insight into DHS technology strategy:
- Energizing the Mission with AI (December 12, 2024; webcast) - Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the way we process and interpret data, offering innovative solutions to long-standing challenges across various sectors. This webinar will bring together top AI and technology executives from federal agencies to share their strategic vision for AI integration.
- ATARC's Public Sector Summit (December 18, 2024; Reston, VA) - The U.S. government grapples with the intricate task of updating its legacy systems to align with the rapid pace of technological advancement. This event unpacks the multifaceted challenges inherent in this endeavor, spotlighting the delicate equilibrium between fostering innovation and adhering to budgetary and regulatory confines.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection & Resilience North America (March 11-13, 2025; Houston, TX) - This event brings together leading stakeholders from industry, operators, agencies, and governments to collaborate on securing North America.
- Department of Homeland Security: Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2024 (white paper) - This paper outlines AI initiatives and the technology's potential across the homeland security enterprise. It directs efforts to fully realize AI's potential to protect the American people and our homeland while steadfastly protecting privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties.
- Extreme Weather: Opportunities for Improved Preparedness and Resilience (white paper) - Resilience across homeland security missions, systems, and communities is of increasing importance as natural disasters, extreme weather, and climate change impact society. De-risking the impacts of these drivers on homeland security and public safety missions and operations requires better understanding of the rapidly evolving global and technological landscape, options and new approaches that may be possible, and more.
- Guidance for Using Standards when Selecting and Purchasing Responder Equipment (white paper) - Through its System Assessment and Validation for Emergency Responders program, the National Urban Security Technology Laboratory publishes information for responders about protective and operational equipment. This document provides guidance related to the use of standards when selecting and purchasing protective and operational equipment for public safety organizations.
Find additional details on DHS strategy by searching GovEvents and GovWhitePapers.
