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Vulnerability of Social Networking Media and the Insider Threat: New Eyes for Bad Guys
From the thesis abstract: "Social networking media introduces a new set of vulnerabilities to protecting an organization's sensitive information. Competitors and foreign adversaries are actively targeting U.S. industry to acquire trade secrets to undercut U.S. business in the marketplace. Of primary concern in this endeavor is an insider's betrayal of an organization, witting or unwitting, by providing sensitive information to a hostile outsider that negatively impact an organization. A common existing technique to enable this breach of sensitive information is social engineering--the attempt to elicit sensitive information by obscuring the true motivation and/or identity behind the request. Social engineering, when coupled with the new and widespread use of social networking media, becomes more effective by exploiting the wealth of information found on the social networking sites. This information allows for more selective targeting of individuals with access to critical information. This thesis identifies the vulnerabilities created by social networking media and proposes a mitigation and prevention strategy that couples training and awareness with active surveys and monitoring of critical persons within an organization."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Lenkart, John J.
2011-09
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Risk Management as Strategic Change in National Homeland Security Policy
From the thesis abstract: "Secretary Michael Chertoff has said that the core principle that animates the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is risk management. Risk management is a process of choosing trade-offs between available resources and the cost of minimizing the risk of unwanted consequences through an ongoing cycle of objective setting, risk assessment, alternatives evaluation, and implementation, in a way that buys down risk over time. The statements of national leaders, federal legislation, and the Department of Homeland Security's own strategy documents have set risk management as homeland security policy. Nonetheless, DHS has been challenged to implement a coordinated and integrated risk management program to include compatible risk assessment methodologies among its component agencies. The National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), released in 2006, for the first time sets out a vision for a national risk management framework. That vision now extends the application of risk management to the nation's critical infrastructure owners and operators. This paper explores the challenges involved in implementing the risk management framework under the NIPP, examines how implementation has been managed as strategic change through the lens of change management theory, and offers recommendations for improvement. It is hoped this paper will motivate further study into homeland security strategic change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Paczkowski, John P.
2007-09
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Applying Network Theory to Develop a Dedicated National Intelligence Network
"Adaptive terrorist organizational structure and the lack of intelligence sharing were to blame for terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Because terrorist groups are moving toward a less predictable, but more diverse, dynamic, and fluid structure, effective combativeness of terrorism requires fighting terrorists with a network. This network must be capable of collecting and sharing credible, reliable and corroborative information on an unprecedented scale, transcending geographic, agency, and political boundaries. This thesis demonstrates utilization of a network-theory approach for sharing information, which will be argued, can provide insight into the system dynamics of the U.S. IC because it allows a systematic, comparative analysis of the system representation and fundamental problems associated with information sharing. The problems associated with past intelligence failures can be overcome with such a system because the use of a dedicated, nationally networked system will allow completion of three primary tasks: (1) examination of the strength of criminal/terrorist connections, (2) identification of suspects and mapping of networks, and (3) prediction of future behavior and better likelihood of prevention, response, and prosecution. A dedicated national networked intelligence-sharing system called DNIN (Dedicated National Intelligence Network), including geographic areas, regional centers, personnel, computer IT networks, and policy options is discussed."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Tindall, James A., 1953-
2006-09
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Leveraging Citizens and Cultivating Vigilance for Force Multiplication in the Maritime Domain
"This thesis examines a Coast Guard-led networked community (Citizen's Action Network -- CAN) by exploring the network's potential to augment the Coast Guard in managing its prodigious maritime domain risks. Through an expansive literature review, a survey and a set of semi-structured interviews, a proposed set of community-based structural components were identified and tested for strength and significant relationships using ANOVA, Regression and Student's T statistical testing methods. Findings suggest that component parts of CAN fit into a business-oriented networked management model called a Community of Practice (COP), with vigilance emerging as a sustainable, predictable and highly desirable post-9/11 networked community behavior. CAN's demographics were also examined to determine trends, such as above-average military veteran membership, which may support future targeted volunteer recruiting. Finally, various Coast Guard-initiated CAN communication methods were tested for significant impact; volunteers receiving phone calls correlated to higher levels of trust in the Coast Guard, while those receiving written communications maintained a heightened sense of access to the Coast Guard. These findings underscore the yet-untapped potential to groom grassroots vigilance, build trust in government and create a culture of prevention by sharing national challenges -- ultimately putting the 'home' back in homeland security."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Billeaudeaux, Michael Andre
2007-09
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From the Battlefield to the Homeland: Building the Case for Network-Centric Response
From the thesis abstract: "Our nation's ability to respond to natural or man-made disasters has remained relatively unchanged since the attacks of 9/11. Current response operations are characterized by the inability to efficiently produce a collaborative and effective response to incidents of national significance and address the challenges of the Information Age. The military has adapted network-centric tenants and principles from business applications to effectively operate in the Information Age and increase mission effectiveness. These tenants and principles can be adapted by responders to address current deficiencies and increase mission effectiveness. Implementation of "network-centric response" is both technologically and organizationally feasible. Network-centric response operations would allow responders to meet the challenges and leverage the opportunities of the Information Age, resulting in increased mission effectiveness."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Peterson, Michael C.
2007-03
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Impact of Contextual Background Fusion on Perceived Value and Quality of Unclassified Terrorism Intelligence
"There are millions of police, fire, public health, emergency medical, emergency management, and public sector homeland security professionals ready and willing to assist in the global war on terror (GWOT) and current strategies to strengthen homeland security include the provision of unclassified intelligence products to these non traditional recipients (NTR). Simply pushing intelligence products to NTR is not enough, NTR must possess adequate contextual background in order to effectively utilize intelligence provided by the Intelligence Community (IC) in implementing strategies in information driven and risk based prevention and response. Given the diversity of NTR, distribution of 'one size fits all' products ensures that the intelligence will fit no one's needs. This thesis researches the impact of intelligence contextual background fusion (CBF) through the use of hyperlink technology and evaluates the likelihood of hyperlink acceptance by NTR. By utilizing DHS and FBI customer satisfaction survey questions in 'quality' and 'value' factors along with previously validated Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) questions in 'ease of use' and 'usefulness' factors, this research finds that CBF significantly improves both perceived value and quality, and finds that NTR overwhelmingly prefer a CBF product. NTR broadly accepted hyperlink technology in this application."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Eaneff, Charles
2007-03
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Cross-Sector Collaboration Among Critical Infrastructure Utilities: A Case Study for Assessing Relational Capacity
From the thesis abstract: "This nation relies on the network of critical infrastructures to maintain economic superiority, public health, and military strength. Under this premise, the federal government established the National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP) to leverage national and regional preparedness. Hurricane Katrina demonstrated that, collectively, the infrastructure sectors are not prepared to respond to local and regional disasters using national strategies and resources. There remains a lack of capability to assess an organization's capacity to collaborate. To better understand the enablers and barriers to collaboration within a region's infrastructure system, this study reports the findings of interviews of 13 middle managers and 10 top managers from the utility organizations in and around Mesa, Arizona. In addition to interviews, the managers in this case study completed a survey on collaborative capacity, which provides a lens for examining the factors that enable and impede cross-sector collaboration in the City of Mesa and the interdependent sectors. Finally, the managers were requested to provide individual interpretations of the survey data and recommendations for improvement on the 'Response Form.' Incorporating this feedback will be critical for starting the momentum for change."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Draper, Brian Allen
2007-09
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Can You Lead Me Now? Leading in the Complex World of Homeland Security
"This thesis focuses on a theory of leading and the activities and processes used to move a bureaucratic, public agency to a higher level of fitness in the contexts of dynamic equilibrium and the edge of chaos. The main claim is that leading and all of its components -- thinking and sensemaking, storytelling and demonstrating the right ideas, and organizing action and shaping collective movement -- are required for an organization to address the complex, coordinating problems of homeland security. This research is exploratory using the methodology of grounded theory. An in-depth analysis of a single case was used to test a theory of leading in complexity. Descriptive examples are provided of the activities identified in the process of leading. The findings supported the theory of leading and offered some suggestions for leading the work of homeland security. The analysis demonstrated that leading is a process that weaves in a non-linear way from thinking to sensemaking to demonstrating the "right ideas" and identities to organizing collective movement and back around to thinking. It is a process without ends and a process that shows how to accomplish organizational change in the realm of complexity and chaos." A short video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=36617]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Joyce, Nola
2007-09
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Unleashing Our Untapped Domestic Collection is the Key to Prevention
From the thesis abstract: "Human intelligence from informants, criminals, good-Samaritans and cooperative individuals is the key to neutralizing major terrorist plots. The need for domestic intelligence collection in the United States is supported by a review of the national strategies and data collected from statements of Federal Bureau of Investigation and Department of Homeland Security officials. Unfortunately, scholarly articles and commentaries point to an inadequate human intelligence program five years after the events of September 11, 2001. This thesis presents a community based exploitation strategy for the expansion of domestic collection through the leveraging of state and local law enforcement, public and private collection. The strategy would take advantage of the significant untapped resources available to state and local law enforcement, public and private entities by encouraging sharing and discouraging hoarding. The technology would do the heavy lifting by sifting through the vast amounts of available information to find the key piece of data. Technology can assist analysts by allowing them to exploit the semantic process of the Global Justice Extensible Markup Language (XML), a computer language. Together, this exploitation strategy and technology will become part of new homeland security doctrine that could unleash the full potential of domestic collection and provide the missing pieces of the intelligence puzzle."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duarte, Nestor
2007-09
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National Imperative to Establish a Domestic Medical Intelligence Center
"The United States does not have a centralized organization tasked with the oversight or implementation of a domestic medical intelligence program. Organizations throughout the nation have adopted a variety of definitions and operating procedures related to medical intelligence; however, they are inconsistent. Additionally, most jurisdictions limit medical intelligence to epidemiological surveillance. This thesis will propose the structure, governmental organization, data sets, and reporting for a domestic medical intelligence center. This center will require close partnership with other federal agencies and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. In addition, this thesis will analyze medical intelligence operations within the Armed Forces Medical Intelligence Center, the Department of Homeland Security Office of Health Affairs, the Metropolitan Washington Fusion Center, and the Los Angeles Terrorism Early Warning Group. As this thesis shows, the development of a domestic medical intelligence center, covering a wide range of data sets, will allow for the effective collection, integration, analysis, and dissemination of both tactical and strategic actionable intelligence for federal and SLTT governments and private sector partners. These actions will assist in addressing this significant gap and increasing our nation's level of preparedness thereby improving our nation's response to large scale incidents, both naturally occurring and man-made."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Natarajan, Nitin
2007-09
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Improving the Resiliency of the Natural Gas Supply and Distribution Network
"To accommodate the nation's escalating demand for natural gas, which is expected to increase 700% by 2030, the natural gas industry will likely build several new liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminals. The location of these new terminals is an important strategic decision that significantly impacts the resiliency of the nation's natural gas supply and distribution network. Due to public opposition in many communities and shortcomings in the current licensing process, any additional LNG import terminals are apt to be concentrated along the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, this impending concentration will increase the vulnerability and diminish the resiliency of this critical infrastructure. This thesis uses network theory to forecast how the location of new terminals will impact the risk, vulnerability, and resiliency of the natural gas supply and distribution network. To enhance the resiliency and reduce the vulnerability of this critical infrastructure, we argue network analysis methodology should be applied during the terminal siting process. The Federal government must act quickly to facilitate siting of terminals in locations that reduce the vulnerability and improve the resiliency of the natural gas network. Failure to act will squander an unprecedented opportunity to shape and intelligently design this portion of the nation's critical infrastructure."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Nadeau, John
2007-03
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Transportation Security Administration's Four Major Security Programs for Mass Transit - How They Can Be Improved to Address the Needs of Tier II Mass Transit Agencies
"The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has established four major programs for the security of mass transit against terrorism. This thesis examined how these programs can be improved to address the terrorism security needs of the nation's 51 transit agencies in urban areas classified as Tier II. Homegrown terrorism represents a new and changing threat to Tier II regions. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) and The National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academies examined the DHS [Department of Homeland Security] risk analysis methodology. Both identified problems with the risk analysis methodology used for the distribution of TSA's security program resources. This thesis used the interview and policy options methodologies to find ways to improve these security programs. The focus of the study was on high level strategic goals of increasing law enforcement officers, and increasing explosives detection canine teams for Tier II transit agencies. Strategic recommendations for achieving these goals and other tactical considerations are enumerated. These recommendations and considerations will be forwarded to the Transit Police and Security Peer Advisory Group (PAG) that advises the TSA on these types of issues. If the PAG finds them to be of merit, it may choose to present them to the TSA."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Joyce, John P.
2011-03
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Freed: Ripples of the Convicted and Released Terrorist in America
"The release of convicted terrorists from American prisons is inevitable. This thesis frames and initiates discourse about this unexplored phase of the terrorism continuum. Utilizing a grounded theory approach, we arrive at four findings: (1) we do not yet know to what extent convicted and released terrorists pose a threat; (2) convicted terrorists are treated no differently from an administrative or social standpoint from most other criminals; (3) the American public knows very little about convicted and released terrorists; and (4) there is no defined entity responsible for convicted and released terrorists. We then extrapolate the political, social, and legal implications of these findings, including whether our theoretical or structural frameworks are adequate to the threat. How might such a threat be measured or determined, by whom, and with what policy consequences? We look at existing models ranging from sex offender registries to megacommunities and existing sociological theories of terrorism as potential tools with which to address this complex and interdisciplinary issue." A short video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=723434]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Brown, Michael A.
2011-03
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New York City Urban Search and Rescue Team (NY-TF1): A Case Study of Interagency Effectiveness
"Since September, 2001, the New York City (NYC) emergency services have striven to more closely align their component disciplines into one coordinated and collaborative effort. Despite improvements in emergency management, the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) and New York City Police Department (NYPD) are still separate operational entities. An evolution in the terrorist threat challenges NYC emergency agencies and finds them unprepared for a complex terror event. Terrorist seek to divide first-responder efforts at such an attack. Evidence from the Mumbai attacks indicates an optimal response to a similar incident requires an unprecedented level of first-responder synergy. This thesis asserts that the synergistic elements in the New York City Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (NY-TF1) are applicable to the interagency challenges in the FDNY-NYPD response relationship. The methodology of this thesis is a single case study of NY-TF1 involving set of seven key leader interviews. Each discipline provided three levels of leadership confirmed the assertions of this thesis. The seventh interview, the senior civilian administrator for the New York City Urban Search and Rescue Task Force (NY-TF1), also supported this study's findings. The conclusions of this study are drawn from commonalities in the data collected. The FDNY and NYPD can achieve an emergency services synergy adapting NY-TF1 organizational designs and systemic processes into the greater response relationship."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Duggan, Joseph, Jr.
2011-03
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Strategy for Upgrading Preparedness in Small and Rural Communities to Meet National Preparedness Standards
From the thesis abstract: "In order for the smallest units of government--towns, villages, small cities, and rural areas--in the least populated areas of the country to successfully meet the national preparedness, response, recovery, and interoperability goals of the National Preparedness Guidelines, they must adhere to the compliance metrics of the National Incident Management System [NIMS]. This ensures personnel and resource accountability as well as successful multiagency coordination during times of disaster. Efforts by small towns and rural areas to meet NIMS compliance standards have been problematic. Failure of some units of government to meet these requirements has affected their ability to effectively respond to and recover from major disasters, as evidenced when coordinating with resources outside their immediate area or NIMS-compliant agencies. NIMS is built around the concept that all units of government and all disciplines from the federal to the local level must not only understand their role during incident response but also have the ability to seamlessly interoperate with each other and account for personnel and resources to successfully manage an incident. This research examines the reasons for the inability of some small towns and rural areas to meet these preparedness standards. The research findings drive the proposed solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stigler, Mark G.
2010-12
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Local Jurisdictions and Active Shooters: Building Networks, Building Capacities
From the thesis abstract: "The emerging threat of terrorism, specifically small unit active shooter attacks, is a concern for American law enforcement agencies. Events like Mumbai (November 26, 2008) and Beslan (September 1, 2004) demonstrate the vulnerability of local law enforcement officers in defending against multiple attackers and multiple locations. Smaller jurisdictions (populations less than 100,000 people) are challenged with administrative and operational capacities considerably more than larger jurisdictions. Therefore, smaller agencies must find ways to enhance their capacities within tightening budgetary constraints. To investigate this problem and find workable solutions, qualitative research methods of case studies and interviews were employed. Specifically, Mumbai, Beslan and two high-profile United States incidents (Columbine High School shooting (April 20, 1999) and North Hollywood Bank shoot out (February 28, 1997) were studied. Individuals from the U.S. cases were interviewed to explore information not necessarily documented. Data from the case studies and interviews were collated and reviewed for common themes. These themes were analyzed to draw conclusions on how smaller jurisdictions should proceed in building capacities to deal with active shooter scenarios. Findings suggest that smaller jurisdictions can build capacities by creating a megacommunity within local law enforcement. This includes developing systems to share smart practices, training for small unit attacks, and creating multi-jurisdictional interoperability standards."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Frazzano, Tracy L.
2010-12
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Effective Selection: a Study of First-Line Supervisor Selection Processes in the Department of Homeland Security
From the thesis abstract: "Leadership is crucial in any organization. Executive leadership provides guidance, direction and structure. First-line supervisors ensure that the vision, guidance and direction of executive leaders become reality in an organization, and they also are responsible for the morale and motivation of nonsupervisory employees. Historically, federal agencies have struggled with developing and implementing selection processes that produce effective first-line supervisors. This research examines the four most important tenets of a selection process. These four tenets include laws and regulations that govern first-line supervisor selection processes, the accepted competencies associated with effective first-line supervisors, assessment tools used in the selection process and most effective measures in assessing organizational performance and first-line supervisors. Using a multi-method approach that includes survey data, interviews and policy review, this study compares first-line supervisor selection processes for effective and less effective federal agencies, as measured by the Federal Human Capital Survey (FHCS)/Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey (FedView). Finally, conclusions and recommendations are offered for developing standards and improving first-line supervisor selection processes in DHS [Department of Homeland Security] and the rest of the federal government."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Kaminsky, Mark T.
2011-03
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Evolution of Regional Counterterrorism Centers Within a National Counterterrorism Network: Is It Time to Fuse More Than Information?
From the thesis abstract: "There is widespread consensus among both policymakers and intelligence professionals that domestic counterterrorism efforts remain hampered by the lack of an effective national intelligence network that fully integrates the Homeland's entire intelligence assets and other related Homeland Security capabilities into one national counterterrorism system. The failure to unify our domestic counterterrorism efforts inhibits timely and complete information sharing and the evolution of a more robust Homeland Security prevention and response capacity. To achieve counterterrorism synergy we need a holistic approach that removes the intelligence element from its vacuum and fuses it in the counterterrorism crucible, along with the investigations element and related Homeland Security prevention and response operational elements, in Regional All-Hazards, Disaster and Anti-Terrorism Resource (R.A.D.A.R.) centers. These regional and super-regional R.A.D.A.R. centers can then be united into a National Counterterrorism Network under the auspices of the National Counterterrorism Center and the National Operations Center. Fusing this multi-government level, multi-disciplinary collaboration of intelligence, investigative and operational assets, along with the resources of key private sector groups into one unified organism would eliminate information sharing barriers, and will ensure the most efficient and effective use of Homeland Security resources to prevent and respond to terrorist attacks and natural disasters."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Leavell, Ron
2007-03
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Regional Mass Fatality Management in Pandemic Surge
"National and state planning documents designate public health as the lead for mass fatality management (MFM). MFM planning, however, demands multiagency participation and full public-business-government leverage. This thesis explores pathways to reach operational regional MFM capability in Ohio, but also has implications for MFM planning across the nation. Survey research was conducted with three key MFM stakeholder groups: county coroners, emergency management directors, and health commissioners. The survey addressed realistic and actionable MFM planning by: 1) identifying state guidance gaps; 2) identifying local/regional operational gaps; 3) assessing regional resource capabilities; 4) categorizing proposed solutions to address identified gaps; and 5) listing legal, financial, and organizational barriers to the solutions. Findings show that the key stakeholder communities are confused, with a willingness to build MFM capacity that is accompanied by worries about who should lead and how to coordinate efforts. Research recommendations include a three-sector collaboration (government-business-citizens) operating at the regional level and public engagement. Another recommendation calls for alignment of state guidance and regional operations with The Joint Task Force Civil Support Working Group MFM areas: command and control; body identification; medico-legal investigation; morgue operations; funeral services; final disposition; and family assistance and behavioral health services."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Stanley, Sharon A. R.
2008-12
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On Strategy: The War on Terror in Context
"The War on Terror, as the outcome of the al Qaeda attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11, 2001, promises to be the effort of a generation. If it is to win, the United States must approach it in a manner reminiscent of successes in past wars: with clearly defined and obtainable national objectives, and a unified national strategy to obtain those objectives. In addition, it must establish a clear long-term vision for transforming its efforts and its institutions from the industrial age to the information age as the new domain for waging war. This thesis examines the War on Terror from several perspectives. First, is the strategic context in which the war is being conducted, particularly the issues involved in its prosecution. Second, the Vietnam War and the War on Terror are examined in historical context to determine if the United States is repeating the strategic mistakes that led to its defeat in Vietnam. Third, transformation imperatives are identified which require the Nation to consider what it must do to win the War on Terror while simultaneously preparing for the emergence of greater forms of information age warfare. Finally, an adaptive capabilities-based approach is suggested for the United States to deal with the new strategic reality it faces."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Reed, Donald J.
2006-03
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'Dirty Bomb' Attack: Assessing New York City's Level of Preparedness from a First Responder's Perspective
From the thesis abstract: "Past history and recent intelligence have shown that New York City (NYC), a critical node of the U.S. economy, is clearly in the terrorist's crosshairs. In order to reduce the probability, lessen the risk, and minimize the consequences of a Radiological Dispersion Device (RDD), or 'dirty bomb,' attack, NYC's first responders must be adequately prepared for its seemingly inevitable occurrence. This particular type of attack on NYC has the potential to create immense panic and confusion on behalf of the general public. Adding to the complexity of the problem is the notion that, since 9/11, the expected actions taken by employees in NYC high-rise office buildings in response to shelter-in-place instructions can be extremely difficult to predict. Therefore, a proposed public awareness campaign and a shelter-in-place plan are two cost-effective and easily implemented terrorism preparedness programs that would build the confidence and increase the capability of the citizenry. Since an RDD incident would likely result in a major inter-agency emergency operation, the unification of command, control, and coordination among NYC's first responder community is an essential element to its overall success. Hence, an informed and collaborative response by both public and private sector entities could potentially reduce casualties and save lives."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Sudnik, John
2006-03
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Radio Interoperability: Addressing the Real Reasons We Don't Communicate Well During Emergencies
"Concerns about inadequate radio communications at the scene of disasters predate 9/11, and have been a focal point of homeland security funding since 2001. Under the umbrella term 'interoperability,' grant funding is facilitating the recent deployment of equipment to allow field personnel to patch radio systems together, with the expectation of immediate improvement of emergency scene communications dysfunction. This thesis argues that there are numerous causal factors for inadequate disaster communications. Communications impediments include insufficient radio infrastructure, behavioral reactions by people in stressful situations, intergovernmental relations, inadequate procedures and training, and general lethargy over the need to institute special operating policies differing from routine practices. The sole reliance upon technological solutions, without proportionate training and practice greatly reduces the effectiveness of radio patching equipment. Quite opposite from the intended effect, patching equipment, in the hands of those only minimally acclimated to radio system architecture, is likely to trigger unintended consequences of chaotic system overload (by combining two or more busy channels) and sector vulnerability (by combining unsecured general public systems with previously isolated public safety systems). Our goal is to provide a thought-provoking examination of the entire realm of emergency scene communications issues and practical recommendations beyond superficial technological solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Timmons, Ronald P.
2006-03
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Essential Elements for Preparedness Planning
"The author of this thesis asserts that the unique nature of the modern threat environment removes all justifiable options for the providers and users of threat information to operate at arm's length from one another. If the two communities are not integrated to the point that collaboration can proceed unhindered, the flow of information between them will likely be sluggish, unidirectional and largely irrelevant. Collaboration involves more than just the flow of new information, however. It requires the exchanging of ideas, the challenging of assumptions and biases, and leads to the formation of a networked environment that is needed to defeat our networked adversaries. An organization that fails to accomplish this level of integration and collaboration runs the risk of finding itself preparing for yesterday's attack, and failing to prevent, prepare for or adequately respond to tomorrow's threat. The 9/11 Commission's synthesized protocol for scenario development and intelligence tasking is presented as a means of fixing this problem."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
O'Brien, John E.
2006-03
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21st Century National Public Health System
This thesis from the Center for Homeland Defense and Security discusses the role that public health systems can play in the even of a national health emergency, using the Canadian cases of SARS as a case study. "The attention that SARS created in 2003 has influenced public and political perceptions about the risks associated with infectious diseases and the role the public health system should play in national security. This comparative case study was conducted to examine the Canadian public health's system response to SARS in order to formulate recommendations for the U.S. public health system. This analysis demonstrated that the governmental organizational structure of the U.S. public health system does not support its current mission or its new responsibilities for public health security. A national public health system is needed to support dual missions: the traditional mission of tailoring public health programs specific to the social and demographic needs of the citizens; and the new mission of public health security. In order to transform the current U.S. public health system into a national public health system two critical components must be addressed at the federal, state, and local level: 1) organizational capacity and 2) service delivery. Recommendations are provided regarding the way forward at the federal level and work needing to be done at the state and local level towards building a national system capable of meeting the public health threats of the 21st century."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Jones, Mary J.
2008-09
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Dynamic Personal Identity and the Dynamic Identity Grid: How Theory and Concept Can Transform Information into Knowledge and Secure the American Homeland
From the thesis abstract: "Personal identification systems and processes; including those used for transliteration, travel visas and driver licenses; have failed to adequately adapt to the nation's new asymmetric threat. After September 11th, personal identification information about the attackers began to emerge and it became clear that it could have been used to identify the attackers prior to their terrorist acts. This study used qualitative research methods to construct meaning from previously uncorrelated issues and employed a three-stage analytical approach that grounded the research. The tertiary stage identified themes that had theoretical relevance and, in turn, a direct impact on the proposed solutions. The study borrowed concepts from a handful of formal qualitative methods; including grounded theory, content/document analysis, interviewing, triangulation and conceptual modeling. It found that ambiguity and ethnocentricity is inherent in American name-based identity collection practices, systems and processes; that consistently collecting specific name-based characteristics could be highly beneficial to combating terrorism; and that by leveraging the knowledge created by consistent collection practices, systems and processes we can transform name-based identity into a dynamic and leveragable commodity. To effectively do so, this project presents a substantive theory, Dynamic Personal Identity, and a conceptual technological system, the Dynamic Identity Grid, as potential solutions."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Burchnell, Ryan
2008-09
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Building a Better Mouse Trap: Increasing Counter Terrorism Capabilities through Consolidation
From the thesis abstract: "The current American police model is outdated and does not provide local law enforcement the proper framework to effectively prevent, mitigate, and respond to terrorism. With nearly 18,000 separate police departments in the United States, the current system of policing is individualized, fragmented and disconnected. With the proliferation of so many police organizations, contiguous agencies have overlapping jurisdictional responsibilities and job functions, leading to the waste of precious personnel resources. Exacerbating this issue, radio systems and computerized databases among these law enforcement agencies are dissimilar or not linked, prohibiting local cops from easily communicating. Such technological gaps are the outcomes of a decentralized policing structure that hinder effective counter terrorism capabilities. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, local police must be configured in a manner to maximize the country's counterterrorism efforts."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Vicino, Christopher O.
2006-03
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Tell Me What I Need To Know: What Mayors and Governors Want from Their Fusion Center
"Mayors and governors who represent high threat, high population density urban areas need strategic, decision-making advantages and, as such, should be significant users of fusion centers. These chief executives desire to understand the operating environment for their jurisdictions where daily risks and threats emerge from the complexities of an integrated world. Paradoxically, as will be outlined through this thesis, there is a lack of robust engagement between fusion centers and mayors and governors. While this thesis does not suggest executives know nothing about their fusion centers, the lack of direct and regular engagement is problematic given that top elected officials are responsible for leadership and funding decisions that prevent, mitigate, and respond to threats to their jurisdictions. Without engagement, fusion centers struggle to meet executive expectations, and mayors and governors miss critical opportunities to leverage their fusion centers. By addressing this engagement and expectations gap, fusion centers will be better situated to help these busy chief executives develop adaptive long-term strategic approaches for preventing, preparing, responding to and mitigating threats and all hazards in their jurisdictions, where they ultimately are held accountable by their constituency."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Chen, Yi-Ru
2009-09
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No Dark Corners: Defending Against Insider Threats to Critical Infrastructure
From the thesis abstract: "An adversary who makes a frontal attack can be anticipated or repulsed. An adversary who attacks from within, however, cannot be so readily countered. This study intends to identify defenses against trust betrayers targeting critical infrastructure. Using a Delphi method, the study develops insights of experts from more mature arenas of defense against insider threats, such as workplace violence and counter-espionage, in order to assist infrastructure stewards with defending against the insider threat to critical infrastructure. The findings uncover flaws in institutional defenses that adversaries can exploit, with infiltrators posing a greater threat than disgruntled insiders. Resulting recommendations run counter to accepted wisdom. These recommendations shape the contours of a No Dark Corners approach that applies and extends seminal theories of Newman's Defensible Space and Kelling's Fixing Broken Windows. No Dark Corners replaces a laser for a flashlight. The laser is a narrow beam of workplace monitoring only by corporate sentinels, or security specialists. The flashlight is a broader beam of employee engagement and monitoring on the front lines at the team level. There are no easy answers. No Dark Corners shows promise in filling the gaps in traditional insider defenses to deliver the victory of ownership over surprise." A short video interview on this thesis is also available at the following link: [https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=31117]
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Catrantzos, Nicholas
2009-09
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Public-Private Sector Passenger Rail Intelligence and Terrorism Information Sharing
What is an effective methodology for intelligence and terrorism information sharing within a private passenger rail organization and with their external public partners? This thesis uses three distinct research methodologies that collectively lead to an effective strategy for intelligence and terrorism information sharing within a private passenger railroad, and with its external public partners. First, key Amtrak personnel were interviewed to establish and confirm how intelligence information currently flows within Amtrak and with its external intelligence community and law enforcement partners. Second, a survey of key Amtrak operations personnel was conducted to establish Amtrak's intelligence priorities and requirements. Finally, this study examined two case studies on potential models for intelligence and terrorism information sharing. The two main outcomes of this research were that by leveraging the power of informal networks in the context of the abstract megacommunity framework, an effective strategy for intelligence and terrorism information sharing was developed. Also, based on the needs of front line railroad operating personnel, an intelligence product that helps to protect the public and the nation's critical railroad infrastructure was developed.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Crosbie, William L.
2008-09
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Managing the Reputation of DHS and Its Components
"The Department of Homeland Security and some of its components have gained less than favorable reputations since DHS was stood up in 2003. Based upon the available literature on reputation and upon data collected from a Delphi survey of public affairs officers within DHS and its components, this thesis addresses the value, measurement, and management of reputation for DHS and its components. It also looks at the relationship between the reputation of DHS and that of its components. This thesis shows that reputation has a strong impact on such areas as public trust, Congressional funding, and employee morale. It offers several recommendations for how DHS and its components can manage their reputations more effectively. These recommendations include understanding the value of reputation, identifying key stakeholders, measuring stakeholders' perceptions, and addressing 'reputation spillover.' It also adds to the available literature on reputation, which comes primarily from the private sector."
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Center for Homeland Defense and Security; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Johnson, Bobbie L.
2009-06
