Analogic Checkpoint EDS Achieves EU Standard 2 Detection
Analogic [ALOG] says its COBRA checkpoint computed tomography system has received the European Union’s Civil Aviation Conference Type D and D+ Standard 2 approval, making it the first system to do so. The Standard 2 in Type D operations means that liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGS) can remain inside passenger carry-on bags, and for Type D+ operations that LAGs and complex electronics such as laptops, can remain inside passenger carry-on bags. “We expect to prove our advanced CT detection technology provides the best threat detection for carry-on baggage at the checkpoint and significantly improves passenger throughput, all while lowering the overall cost of ownership for the airport,” says Jim Green, Analogic’s president and CEO. Standard 2 is the highest European performance standard for threat detection.
Raytheon to Receive Cyber Threat Info from DHS
Raytheon [RTN] has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate as a commercial service provider under an expanded cyber security information sharing program and receive cyber security threat information. Raytheon said that as a commercial service provider under the DHS Enhanced Cybersecurity Services (ECS) program, Raytheon will be able to use the threat information and indicators it receives in order to protect the defense industrial base and other critical infrastructures. The ECS program was outlined in President Obama’s Executive Order last month on cyber security and is a voluntary information sharing program that provides cyber threat data to the private sector to help them protect their computer and information systems from unauthorized access, exploitation and data exfiltration.
Ridge, Schmidt Form Cyber Security Consulting Firm
Former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge and former White House Cyber Security Czar Howard Schmidt have launched a new consulting firm that provides strategic and advisory services to executives in business and government to help them deal with increasing demands related to cyber security. Ridge Schmidt Cyber LLC will offer services in design of cyber security strategy and architecture, development of policies and procedures, third-party strategic cyber reviews as well as provide access to some of the world’s top technical experts from civilian government, the military and private sector. “CEOs who are engaged on matters of cyber security put their companies at a competitive advantage,” Schmidt said in a statement. “Our goal is to help leaders improve their cyber resiliency, so attacks don’t impact their systems or their market positions.”
Multi-University Partnership Developing Standoff PBIED Detectors
The Awareness and Localization of Explosives-Related Threats (ALERT) Center, a multi-university partnership that is a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, is developing a millimeter wave radar-based system that can detect person-borne improvised explosive devices (PBIEDs) at ranges up to 50 meters. The concept being developed by the ALERT Center, which is based at Northeastern Univ., involves multiple radar units that can be directed towards crowds of people approaching a checkpoint or other entry area. The system would be able to identify suicide bombers who are concealing IEDs strapped to their bodies. “For the suicide bomber problem we need a high performance radar system that can send out very specific types of signals a half a football field away and identify specific features under clothing,” says Carey Rappaport, distinguished professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Northeastern. The school says the ALERT radar is expected to be mountable to a van or truck for wide-ranging field use although permanently mounted solutions for checkpoints and building security would also be available. The ALERT Center is working with the HXI subsidiary of Renaissance Electronics Corp., which is providing millimeter wave products and components, for the research and development effort.
CBP Takes Delivery of Seventh Upgraded P-3 Maritime Surveillance Aircraft
Lockheed Martin [LMT] has delivered the seventh P-3 Orion Mid-Life Upgrade maritime and reconnaissance surveillance aircraft to Customs and Border Protection (CBP). The P-3 MLU replaces all fatigue life-limiting structures with enhanced-design components and incorporates a new metal alloy that is more corrosion resistant than the original material, reducing the cost of ownership to P-3 operators. The MLU aircraft removes current aircraft flight restrictions and extends the structural life of the P-3 up to 15,000 hours, adding more than 20 years of operational use.
Accenture in Mentor-Protégé Program with Vius
Accenture’s [ACN] Federal Services division has entered into a Department of Homeland Security Mentor-Protégé program with Vius, LLC, a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business proofing information technology services consulting. As part of the mentor-protégé program the two companies will work together to provide best-in-class solutions and services to federal government clients. As a mentor, Accenture will worth with Vius on a multi-year development plan to include marketing prime contract management and program execution.
Cognitec Releases Advanced Version of Face Recognition Analytics
Cognitec Systems has released an advanced version of its FaceVACS-VideoScan system that employs anonymous face recognition technology to analyze the count, flow and demographics of people visible in video streams while protecting privacy and data security. The company says the system detects people’s faces in live video streams or video footage and stores anonymous information for each appearance in front of a camera. The system will provide an alarm if too many people gather in a specific area, it will measure waiting times to direct traffic, it can allow real-time comparison of faces to image databases to instantly find known individuals.