The U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center released Mass Attacks in Public Spaces: 2016 - 2020, a comprehensive report examining 173 incidents of targeted violence and highlighting the observable commonalities among the attackers. The analysis is intended to provide critical information to a cross-sector of community organizations that have a role in preventing these types of tragedies.
The Geospatial Data Act of 2018 (GDA) requires each covered agency to fulfill 13 responsibilities to foster efficient management and use of geospatial data — information linked to specific geographic locations. The GDA also mandates the Office of Inspector General to submit to Congress a biannual audit report on the agency’s progress in fulfilling the GDA’s responsibilities. This is the second in a series of audits assessing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) compliance with the GDA. Four recommendations were made to ensure DHS continued improvement in fulfilling duties under the GDA.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) released today the agency’s annual report showcasing how the agency has responded to increasingly complex transnational security threats in fiscal year (FY) 2022. The FY 2022 annual report highlights how ICE is helping secure the Southwest Border and rebuilding a humane and orderly immigration system; combatting transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) including disrupting the supply of opioids coming to U.S. communities; improving transparency to stakeholders and the public; and supporting its dedicated, resilient workforce.
During this reporting period, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) completed audits, inspections and evaluations, and investigations to promote economy, efficiency, effectiveness, and integrity in the Department’s programs and operations.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the Department of Justice (DOJ) uses the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent prohibited persons from obtaining firearms. This audit was conducted to determine if the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) complies with NICS requirements. Four recommendations were made to improve DHS compliance with NICS requirements.
This In Focus provides an overview of cybersecurity for policymaking purposes, describes issues that cybersecurity affects, and discusses potential actions Congress could take.
This In Focus provides an update, and overview, of cyberspace operations. The Department of Defense defines cyberspace as a global domain within the information environment consisting of the interdependent network of information technology infrastructures and resident data, including the internet, telecommunications networks, computer systems, and embedded processors and controllers.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency released an updated Infrastructure Resilience Planning Framework (IRPF) today to better help state, local, tribal, and territorial planners manage risk to critical infrastructure systems and enhance their resilience. First released in 2021, today’s update to the IRPF adds important new resources and tools to better support partners as they face an evolving threat environment.
The federal government has provided billions of dollars to communities recovering from disasters like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires. But federal disaster recovery programs are spread across more than 30 agencies, making it difficult for communities to figure out who to turn to for help. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) also identified 11 options—including the strengths and limitations of each—that could improve the federal approach to disaster recovery. Congress should consider establishing an independent commission that could recommend reforms.
This document provides the first annual report outlining progress towards implementation of relevant capabilities, highlights priority actions that are ongoing and needed across departments and agencies in the U.S. Government and the private sector, and identifies science and technology opportunities to fill gaps and ensure that the nation is properly prepared for emerging pandemic threats.
