Emerging technologies are already impacting how we live and work. They're also changing how we approach, plan, and integrate security operations. With the advent of artificial intelligence, robotics, quantum computing, the Internet of Things, augmented reality, materials science, 3-D printing, and data analytics, the security industry is being transformed.
Certainly, we are living in an era where innovation, agility and imagination are all essential in order to keep pace with the exponential technological transformation taking place. For security, both physical and cyber, the equation is the same catalyzing many new potential applications for emerging technologies.
Some of the applied verticals in homeland security where I personally see emerging technologies are making an impact include:
That is my own emerging homeland security technologies short list. There is much more to add. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has many projects and technology solutions that impact the Homeland Security mission. There are a variety of amazing innovations and products in key DHS mission areas, such as aviation security, border security, cyber security, and first responder capabilities.
New technologies are also being commercialized by technology foraging. The Department of Homeland Security defines technology foraging as a process of “identifying, locating and evaluating existing or developing technologies, products, services and emerging trends. This approach allows faster development and increases partnership opportunities and resources to assist the development of current or future homeland security systems and needs.”
DHS is not alone in bringing emerging security to stakeholders. The Department of Defense (DOD), through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), is the progenitor of many technologies beyond imagination. As the DoD’s primary innovation engine, DARPA undertakes projects that are finite in duration but that create lasting revolutionary change.” Some of DARPA’s recent projects include deep dives into security applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The Intelligence Community is also active in tech foraging. The Intelligence Advanced Research Project Activity (IARPA) has cybersecurity research focus areas that include information assurance, advanced computing technologies and architectures, quantum information science and technology, and threat detection and mitigation.
The DOE National Labs and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDC’s) are also very involved in developing security technologies. These include some of our nation’s most recognized national Labs including: Lawrence Livermore, Oak Ridge, Argonne, Sandia, Idaho National laboratory, Battelle, and Brookhaven. The benefits of the Labs’ role include experienced capability in rapid proto-typing of new technologies ready for transitioning, showcasing, and commercialization.
As in most emerging technology endeavors, the public and private sectors are working partners in funding research and development, and creating foundries and innovation centers to build and market these emerging security technologies. There is still much to be discovered, tested, prototyped and employed in protecting us from future threats. Security technologies can be enablers in helping prevent and mitigate acts of terrorism, pandemics and natural disasters. Accordingly, the security industry is being transformed for those missions.
Chuck Brooks is the Principal Market Growth Strategist for General Dynamics Mission Systems for Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies. He is also Adjunct Faculty in Georgetown University’s Graduate Applied Intelligence program.