Category Archives: Homeland Security

Tracing the CIA Underwear Bomb Leak Back to the White House

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Via: The Atlantic Wire

Adam Martin May 18, 2012

The Associated Press gets credit for actually breaking the recent “underwear bomber” news, but the information that the plot was an inside job by an intelligence operative actually appears to have come accidentally from a White House attempt at damage control.

What makes Reuters’ Mark Hosenball’s story’s fascinating is how it so clearly shows the fine line intelligence and law enforcement agencies have to walk when they deal with the press. It can’t be easy showing they’re doing their job while assuring people they’re safe while not revealing sensitive information. In this case, while explaining why the public had no cause to worry, an insider apparently tipped his hand.

You know those expert commentators who once held high-level counter-terrorism jobs and now work as talking heads for news shows? Well, they’re called “experts” because they get access to people like current counter-terrorism adviser John Brennan, who held a conference call to brief some of them on the plot earlier this month. And while explaining why they shouldn’t tell people the United States was in danger from a would-be bomber, Brennan apparently let the secret slip, reports’ Hosenball:

According to five people familiar with the call, Brennan stressed that the plot was never a threat to the U.S. public or air safety because Washington had “inside control” over it.

Brennan’s comment appears unintentionally to have helped lead to disclosure of the secret at the heart of a joint U.S.-British-Saudi undercover counter-terrorism operation.

Read more: here

It pays to remind oneself….
-Moose

9th Circuit Appeals Court: 4th Amendment Applies At The Border; Also: Password Protected Files Shouldn’t Arouse Suspicion

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Via: techdirt

From the well-that’s-a-surprise dept…

Here’s a surprise ruling. For many years we’ve written about how troubling it is that Homeland Security agents are able to search the contents of electronic devices, such as computers and phones at the border, without any reason.

The 4th Amendment only allows reasonable searches, usually with a warrant. But the general argument has long been that, when you’re at the border, you’re not in the country and the 4th Amendment doesn’t apply.

This rule has been stretched at times, including the ability to take your computer and devices into the country and search it there, while still considering it a “border search,” for which the lower standards apply. Just about a month ago, we noted that Homeland Security saw no reason to change this policy.

Well, now they might have to.

In a somewhat surprising 9th Circuit ruling (en banc, or in front of the entire set of judges), the court ruled that the 4th Amendment does apply at the border, that agents do need to recognize there’s an expectation of privacy, and cannot do a search without reason. Furthermore, they noted that merely encrypting a file with a password is not enough to trigger suspicion. This is a huge ruling in favor of privacy rights.

Read more: here

This makes too much sense…
-Moose

Why Is the Navy Building a Shiny Drone Base in Sunny Malibu?

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Via:  Gizmodo
 
By Sam Biddle

Sorry, Sushi/Massage Guru at Google: you no longer have the coolest tech job in America. That honor will belong to the future staff at the planned Point Mugu UAV installation in paradisiacal California.

Surfing, sunrays, and constant sensor surveillance. And it’s only the beginning.

The Point Mugu base is technically just outside of Malibu—barely—but we’re going to go with it because Malibu Drone Base has a ring to it like nothing else in the history of drones nor bases. Don’t you think of red Corvettes, sunglasses, coconut oil, and Hellfire missiles? It’s perfect, right? The Navy is inclined to agree, and just issued an “environmental impact” report for the proposed base, which would demolish and rebuild a large part of the existing military presence at Point Mugu, a popular surfing haunt.

Oh but brah, there’s way more than surfing: the Navy itself bills the area as a sailor and/or remote UAV operator’s dream:

At Naval Base Ventura County [which houses Point Mugu], there is a wealth of fitness and recreation options. Choose from aerobic classes, state-of-the-art fitness centers, or league and intramural play. Swimming lessons, aquatic activities, bowling, athletic fields and courts, youth activities or golf at the 18-hole Seabee Golf Course, are also available. Duke’s Place and The Point will tempt your palate for lunch and dinner and you will enjoy pay per view events and tournaments at the Sports Bar. For an outdoor approach spend a day or two on the beach at the Point Mugu Beach Motel. If going to the city is more your idea of a great destination, visit the local discount ticket offices for money saving ideas.

All that, and you get to fly drones. But not just any drones—state-of-the-art drones. The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton is at the fore of robotic surveillance, and the Navy wants their 131-foot wings and spiffy 360-degree sensors cruising around the Pacific Ocean in the name of American supremacy.

Read more: here

And of course, they won’t be armed in US airspace….
-Moose

Why Is the Navy Building a Shiny Drone Base in Sunny Malibu?

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Via:  Gizmodo

 

By Sam Biddle
 

Sorry, Sushi/Massage Guru at Google: you no longer have the coolest tech job in America. That honor will belong to the future staff at the planned Point Mugu UAV installation in paradisiacal California.

Surfing, sunrays, and constant sensor surveillance. And it’s only the beginning.

The Point Mugu base is technically just outside of Malibu—barely—but we’re going to go with it because Malibu Drone Base has a ring to it like nothing else in the history of drones nor bases. Don’t you think of red Corvettes, sunglasses, coconut oil, and Hellfire missiles? It’s perfect, right? The Navy is inclined to agree, and just issued an “environmental impact” report for the proposed base, which would demolish and rebuild a large part of the existing military presence at Point Mugu, a popular surfing haunt.

Oh but brah, there’s way more than surfing: the Navy itself bills the area as a sailor and/or remote UAV operator’s dream:

At Naval Base Ventura County [which houses Point Mugu], there is a wealth of fitness and recreation options. Choose from aerobic classes, state-of-the-art fitness centers, or league and intramural play. Swimming lessons, aquatic activities, bowling, athletic fields and courts, youth activities or golf at the 18-hole Seabee Golf Course, are also available. Duke’s Place and The Point will tempt your palate for lunch and dinner and you will enjoy pay per view events and tournaments at the Sports Bar. For an outdoor approach spend a day or two on the beach at the Point Mugu Beach Motel. If going to the city is more your idea of a great destination, visit the local discount ticket offices for money saving ideas.

All that, and you get to fly drones. But not just any drones—state-of-the-art drones. The Northrop Grumman MQ-4C Triton is at the fore of robotic surveillance, and the Navy wants their 131-foot wings and spiffy 360-degree sensors cruising around the Pacific Ocean in the name of American supremacy.

Read more: here

And of course, they won’t be armed in US airspace….
-Moose

The Department Of Homeland Security Stole My Boat Today

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Via: Uncrunched

I live a fairly simple life and that didn’t change much after I sold TechCrunch in 2010. I didn’t buy a new house or even a new car. The one thing I did splurge on was a boat.

Nothing too fancy or large. I live near Seattle and there’s a big boating culture up here. I found a small company that builds boats specifically for this area called Coastal Craft. I ordered it in 2011 and planned on writing about the experience after it was delivered.

I named her Buddy. It has state of the art electronics and a fairly new highly efficient propulsion system that the TechCrunch audience would be interested in.

Today was the day that Buddy was going to be delivered. That didn’t happen, because the Department of Homeland Security seized the boat.

Read more: here

Does anyone else see a problem with this? It sure pisses me off!
I have seen this same attitude from the DHS goons..
-Moose

Not so sinister: Homeland Security is Stockpiling Ammo _ For Target Practice

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Via: Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Online rumors about a big government munitions purchase are true, sort of.
The Homeland Security Department wants to buy more than 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition in the next four or five years. It says it needs them — roughly the equivalent of five bullets for every person in the United States — for law enforcement agents in training and on duty.

Published federal notices about the ammo buy have agitated conspiracy theorists since the fall. That’s when conservative radio host Alex Jones spoke of an “arms race against the American people” and said the government was “gearing up for total collapse, they’re gearing up for huge wars.”
The government’s explanation is much less sinister.

Federal solicitations to buy the bullets are known as “strategic sourcing contracts,” which help the government get a low price for a big purchase, says Peggy Dixon, spokeswoman for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga . The training center and others like it run by the Homeland Security Department use as many as 15 million rounds every year, mostly on shooting ranges and in training exercises.

Read more: here

Yeah…Sure…
-Moose

Not so sinister: Homeland Security is Stockpiling Ammo _ For Target Practice

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Via: Washington Post

WASHINGTON — Online rumors about a big government munitions purchase are true, sort of.
The Homeland Security Department wants to buy more than 1.6 billion rounds of ammunition in the next four or five years. It says it needs them — roughly the equivalent of five bullets for every person in the United States — for law enforcement agents in training and on duty.

Published federal notices about the ammo buy have agitated conspiracy theorists since the fall. That’s when conservative radio host Alex Jones spoke of an “arms race against the American people” and said the government was “gearing up for total collapse, they’re gearing up for huge wars.”
The government’s explanation is much less sinister.

Federal solicitations to buy the bullets are known as “strategic sourcing contracts,” which help the government get a low price for a big purchase, says Peggy Dixon, spokeswoman for the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga . The training center and others like it run by the Homeland Security Department use as many as 15 million rounds every year, mostly on shooting ranges and in training exercises.

Read more: here

Yeah…Sure…
-Moose

Online Homeland Security Degrees & Certificates

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I stumbled onto this…What could go wrong?
 
In the Post-9/11 world, few universities have the depth of curriculum and breadth of experience in homeland security education than the University. Our instructors are practitioners, many with unparalleled experience safeguarding the nation as military, intelligence, emergency management, public safety and homeland security leaders. The University is a pioneer in creating an interdisciplinary portfolio of the most critical degrees and certificates sought by homeland security professionals. And each course is taught entirely online. This unmatched flexibility gives motivated professionals the unique opportunity to learn the latest homeland security information and strategies while maintaining their existing work-life responsibilities.

See here: American Military University

Online Homeland Security Degrees & Certificates

Posted on by

I stumbled onto this…What could go wrong?
 
In the Post-9/11 world, few universities have the depth of curriculum and breadth of experience in homeland security education than the University. Our instructors are practitioners, many with unparalleled experience safeguarding the nation as military, intelligence, emergency management, public safety and homeland security leaders. The University is a pioneer in creating an interdisciplinary portfolio of the most critical degrees and certificates sought by homeland security professionals. And each course is taught entirely online. This unmatched flexibility gives motivated professionals the unique opportunity to learn the latest homeland security information and strategies while maintaining their existing work-life responsibilities.

See here: American Military University

Homeland Security Approves Their Right To Search and Seize Your Electronics Without Suspicion

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Via: Forbes

2/14/2013 @ 2:30PM

Four years ago, Agnieszka Gaczkowska, a 29-year-old doctor and entrepreneur from Poland, was travelling through Detroit’s airport on her way to Boston when her bag was selected for random inspection. The inspection officer asked her if she had any documents with her. Exhausted after a long journey, she replied that she did not, forgetting that she had put a few outstanding bills in one of her textbooks.

Suddenly, she found herself in serious trouble. The inspection officer found the bills and accused her of “lying to a federal officer.” They held her for two hours as she was interrogated about the details of her life. The officer ordered her to turn her phone on, and then proceeded to read her e-mails, texts, and Facebook messages without her permission. She was shocked. Eventually, Gaczkowska was released, but she wondered if this was a common practice.

As it turns out – it is; thousands of people every year face a similar situation. Our government agencies have allowed themselves the right to search and seize your electronic devices with stunning impunity.

Read more: here

Home of the Free!
-Moose 

Homeland Security Approves Their Right To Search and Seize Your Electronics Without Suspicion

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Via: Forbes

2/14/2013 @ 2:30PM

Four years ago, Agnieszka Gaczkowska, a 29-year-old doctor and entrepreneur from Poland, was travelling through Detroit’s airport on her way to Boston when her bag was selected for random inspection. The inspection officer asked her if she had any documents with her. Exhausted after a long journey, she replied that she did not, forgetting that she had put a few outstanding bills in one of her textbooks.

Suddenly, she found herself in serious trouble. The inspection officer found the bills and accused her of “lying to a federal officer.” They held her for two hours as she was interrogated about the details of her life. The officer ordered her to turn her phone on, and then proceeded to read her e-mails, texts, and Facebook messages without her permission. She was shocked. Eventually, Gaczkowska was released, but she wondered if this was a common practice.

As it turns out – it is; thousands of people every year face a similar situation. Our government agencies have allowed themselves the right to search and seize your electronic devices with stunning impunity.

Read more: here

Home of the Free!
-Moose 

Obama Signs Cybersecurity Executive Order Ahead of State Of The Union

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Via: ZDNet

By Violet Blue for Zero Day | February 13, 2013 — 03:08 GMT (19:08 PST)

President Obama signed an executive order aimed at bolstering U.S. cybersecurity prior to tonight’s State of the Union address. The Order precedes a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on “new threats.”
It is the government’s latest move in attempting to deal with cyber threats, and the order has not undergone any public technical, rights-based, or privacy review.

The Order “enables the government to share more information with private industry partners and developing a new framework of practices to reduce cybersecurity risks.”

President Barack Obama’s Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Executive Order is to “maximize the utility of cyber threat information sharing” – although the document does not define ‘cyber threat’, ‘cyber intrusions’ or exactly what will be shared for its information sharing provisions.

The Order requires the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security (the “Secretary”), and the Director of National Intelligence to issue implemenation instructions within 120 days.

Privacy and digital rights may take a back seat as the assesment of privacy concerns and civil liberties risks is being kept in-house.

Read more: here

Ya  think? Again, why the rampant escalation of these “Security Provisions”? And why do the citizens lose some more rights/personal freedoms every time?
-Moose

Obama Signs Cybersecurity Executive Order Ahead of State Of The Union

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Via: ZDNet

By Violet Blue for Zero Day | February 13, 2013 — 03:08 GMT (19:08 PST)

President Obama signed an executive order aimed at bolstering U.S. cybersecurity prior to tonight’s State of the Union address. The Order precedes a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on “new threats.”
It is the government’s latest move in attempting to deal with cyber threats, and the order has not undergone any public technical, rights-based, or privacy review.

The Order “enables the government to share more information with private industry partners and developing a new framework of practices to reduce cybersecurity risks.”

President Barack Obama’s Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity Executive Order is to “maximize the utility of cyber threat information sharing” – although the document does not define ‘cyber threat’, ‘cyber intrusions’ or exactly what will be shared for its information sharing provisions.

The Order requires the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security (the “Secretary”), and the Director of National Intelligence to issue implemenation instructions within 120 days.

Privacy and digital rights may take a back seat as the assesment of privacy concerns and civil liberties risks is being kept in-house.

Read more: here

Ya  think? Again, why the rampant escalation of these “Security Provisions”? And why do the citizens lose some more rights/personal freedoms every time?
-Moose

DHS Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Cybersecurity for the Nations Critical Infrastructure

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Via: DHS

 

Release Date: 
February 13, 2013

For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Today, senior Administration officials provided an update on the Administration’s Priorities for Cybersecurity Policy at the Department of Commerce. Yesterday, the President signed an Executive Order (EO) on Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity and a Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience. These actions will strengthen the security and resilience of critical infrastructure against evolving threats through an updated and overarching national framework that acknowledges the increased role of cybersecurity in securing physical assets.

“DHS actively collaborates with public and private sector partners every day to help prevent and respond to attempted disruptions to the Nation’s critical cyber and communications networks,” said Secretary Napolitano. “These actions taken by the President are a key step towards improved security and resilience as we continue to work with Congress to keep our nation safe and secure for generations to come.”

Read more: here

More Programs and Policies…Just what we need…
-Moose

DHS Highlights Efforts to Strengthen Cybersecurity for the Nations Critical Infrastructure

Posted on by

Via: DHS

 

Release Date: 
February 13, 2013

For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Today, senior Administration officials provided an update on the Administration’s Priorities for Cybersecurity Policy at the Department of Commerce. Yesterday, the President signed an Executive Order (EO) on Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity and a Presidential Policy Directive (PPD) on Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience. These actions will strengthen the security and resilience of critical infrastructure against evolving threats through an updated and overarching national framework that acknowledges the increased role of cybersecurity in securing physical assets.

“DHS actively collaborates with public and private sector partners every day to help prevent and respond to attempted disruptions to the Nation’s critical cyber and communications networks,” said Secretary Napolitano. “These actions taken by the President are a key step towards improved security and resilience as we continue to work with Congress to keep our nation safe and secure for generations to come.”

Read more: here

More Programs and Policies…Just what we need…
-Moose

Homeland Security Prepares Budget Cuts, Up to 1,000 Furloughs at Secret Service

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Via: Washington Guardian

February 11, 2013 | BY Sara Carter

Famous for protecting the president, the Secret Service is also one of the country’s first line of defenses against major financial crimes. The Homeland Security Department is contemplating sweeping cutbacks if the automatic budget cuts know as sequestration take effect March 1.

Bracing for the possibility of budget sequestration next month, the Homeland Security Department is making plans to furlough as many as 1,000 Secret Service agents, officers and others employees, officials say.

Homeland Security issued its first agency-wide memorandum late last week preparing for sequestration, the sweeping automatic budget cuts set to take effect as early as March 1 under a prior deal between the White House and Congress to reduce the deficit. The Feb. 6 memo advised all federal employees that the “department leadership is engaged in extensive planning efforts” determining how best to deal with the potential budget cuts.

The memo, obtained by the Washington Guardian, hints at specific areas DHS officials are looking to reduce costs, including “operational or administrative costs in areas such as travel, facilities, and supplies.”
DHS officials also warned that they may “have to consider placing employees on temporary furlough, or taking other personnel actions, should sequestration occur.  With respect to furloughs, all affected employees would be provided at least 30 days’ notice prior to executing a furlough.”

The Secret Service, which beyond protecting the president also investigates major financial crimes, is among the agency targeted for extensive furloughs. A Homeland Security official, with knowledge of the impending cuts, told the Washington Guardian that the Secret Service “is looking at reducing their forces by up to a thousand people” but added that “all federal agencies are facing drastic cuts if sequestration happens.”

Read more: here

This can’t be good…
-Moose

Homeland Security Prepares Budget Cuts, Up to 1,000 Furloughs at Secret Service

Posted on by

Via: Washington Guardian

February 11, 2013 | BY Sara Carter

Famous for protecting the president, the Secret Service is also one of the country’s first line of defenses against major financial crimes. The Homeland Security Department is contemplating sweeping cutbacks if the automatic budget cuts know as sequestration take effect March 1.

Bracing for the possibility of budget sequestration next month, the Homeland Security Department is making plans to furlough as many as 1,000 Secret Service agents, officers and others employees, officials say.

Homeland Security issued its first agency-wide memorandum late last week preparing for sequestration, the sweeping automatic budget cuts set to take effect as early as March 1 under a prior deal between the White House and Congress to reduce the deficit. The Feb. 6 memo advised all federal employees that the “department leadership is engaged in extensive planning efforts” determining how best to deal with the potential budget cuts.

The memo, obtained by the Washington Guardian, hints at specific areas DHS officials are looking to reduce costs, including “operational or administrative costs in areas such as travel, facilities, and supplies.”
DHS officials also warned that they may “have to consider placing employees on temporary furlough, or taking other personnel actions, should sequestration occur.  With respect to furloughs, all affected employees would be provided at least 30 days’ notice prior to executing a furlough.”

The Secret Service, which beyond protecting the president also investigates major financial crimes, is among the agency targeted for extensive furloughs. A Homeland Security official, with knowledge of the impending cuts, told the Washington Guardian that the Secret Service “is looking at reducing their forces by up to a thousand people” but added that “all federal agencies are facing drastic cuts if sequestration happens.”

Read more: here

This can’t be good…
-Moose

The U.S. Government Is Preparing For War Against The American People

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Via: Blacklisted News

February 8, 2013
Source: Lee Rogers, Blacklisted News

At this point there should be very little doubt that the United States government is preparing to wage war against its own people.

Earlier this week, news broke about how the Obama regime through the Department of Justice is claiming in a memorandum that they have the power to use drone strikes to kill American citizens under the guise of the so-called war on terror. In fact, the memorandum claims through the use of vague language that they have the power to kill Americans even if they do not have any sort of actionable intelligence confirming that they pose a threat.

It has been proven time and time again that the war on terror is a hoax used as a tool to justify endless war and draconian anti-freedom policies domestically. The official story of nearly every alleged terror event that has transpired in the 21st century has been torn apart and criticized by many independent researchers. Not to mention, Al-Qaeda the shadowy terror organization we are constantly told that wants to kill Americans, actually originated from within American intelligence circles. We have also seen the United States, Israel and other Western governments financing and supporting Al-Qaeda type entities. Western support of Al-Qaeda linked rebel groups in both Libya and Syria is well documented and shows what a big joke the war on terror is.

Read more: here

Makes a person wonder…if wonder is the right word…
-Moose

The FEMA Camp Bill is Back!

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Via: Blacklisted News

February 9, 2013
Lee Rogers

It looks as if Representative Alcee Hastings a Democrat from Florida has decided to reintroduce his FEMA Camp bill. A few years ago I was the first person to write an article about this awful piece of legislation. Fortunately, I was successful in exposing it to a much larger group of people via the alternative media and the bill did not move forward in the legislative process. The latest iteration of this bill has been introduced as House Resolution 390 otherwise known as the National Emergency Centers Establishment Act. This bill would authorize not fewer than 6 military installations as sites for the establishment of national emergency centers to be run by FEMA under the command of the Secretary of Homeland Security.

Read more: here

Land of the free..Maybe?
-Moose

And Your Little Dog, Too

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Via: National Review

February 11, 2013 12:00 A.M.

It’s time to control government’s guns, to protect humans . . . and canines.

By Deroy Murdock

As Washington politicians aim to restrict the Second Amendment, they should look in the mirror. The time to control government’s guns is now. Overarmed federal officials increasingly employ military tactics as a first resort in routine law enforcement. From food-safety cases to mundane financial matters, battle-ready public employees are turning America into the United States of SWAT.

FBI agents and U.S. marshals understandably are well fortified, given their frequent run-ins with ruthless bad guys. However — as my old friend and fellow columnist Quin Hillyer notes — armed officers, if not Special Weapons and Tactics crews, populate these federal agencies: the National Park Service; the Postal Inspection Service; the Departments of Health and Human Services, Agriculture, Labor, and Veterans Affairs; the Bureaus of Land Management and Indian Affairs; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Fish and Wildlife Service. Even Small Business Administration and Railroad Retirement Board staffers pack heat!

These “ninja bureaucrats,” as Hillyer calls them, run rampant. They, and often their local-government counterparts, deploy weapons against harmless, frequently innocent, Americans who typically are accused of non-violent civil or administrative violations.

Out of control they are…
-Moose
Read more: here