GSN_HSA2017_Yearbook

The GSN 2017 Homeland Security Awards
Chuck Brooks, the Distinguished Judge of
GSN’s 2017 Homeland Security Awards, agrees with
the analysts now saying say that we are heading
for a Fourth Industrial Revolution
GSN: Chuck, thank you again for judging our
most recent and very successful awards event.
It was my real pleasure. Each year I am
more and more impressed with the capabilities
of the company submissions for best
solutions. They are all top notch and at the
innovative edge of security technologies. It
also reassuring to review many of the new
technologies being utilized across the physical
and cyber spectrums for securing the
homeland.
GSN: Speaking of technologies, much is
happening in the world emerging technologies.
What are your quick thoughts as a subject
matter expert on our new tech era?
In my role of Chairman of CompTIA’s
New and Emerging Technology
Committee I get a
window on what advancement
is happening in both
the public and private sectors.
Many analysts are now
saying we are entering a
Chuck Brooks
Fourth Industrial Revolution.
I concur, these emerging technologies
are already impacting how we live and
work. With the advent of artificial intelligence,
robotics, quantum computing, the
Internet of Things, augmented reality, materials
science, 3-D Printing, and data analytics
the near future will be really exciting.
We are living in an era where innovation,
agility and imagination are all essential in
order to keep pace with exponential tech-
nological transformation taking place. It
is easy to imagine potential applications
for new technologies. For example some of
the applied verticals in homeland security
where I see emerging technologies applied
in the next few years include:
• Enhanced Surveillance (chemical and
bio sensors, cameras, drones)
• Improved facial recognition and
license plate readers
• New Non-lethal technologies
• Counter terrorism and law enforcement
informatics via predictive analytics and
artificial intelligence
• Advanced Forensics via materials
science and supercomputing
• Interoperable communications,
geo-fencing, and situational awareness
• Biometrics: assured identity security
screening by bio-signature: Every aspect
of your physiology can be used as a biosignature.
Measure unique heart/pulse
rates, electrocardiogram sensor, blood
oximetry, skin temperature
• Automated cybersecurity and information
assurance
• Robotic Policing
That is my own future homeland security
short list. However, even with new and exciting
emerging technologies in the pipeline
the new digital landscape of connectivity
also brings a new and wide array of vulnerabilities
and threats.
GSN: What vulnerabilities and threats do you see
associated with these new technologies and
what will be government’s role in mitigating the
threats?
There is a security component to almost
anything technology related. The connectivity
of technologies, especially to the
internet, makes everyone and everything a
target of cyber intrusion. A good example
is the Internet of Things (IoT). IOT refers
to the emerging connectivity of embedded
devices to the Internet. It is estimated that
there will be as between 25 to 65 billon
connected Internet devices by 2020 (depending
on who you cite). The commercial
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