HLSS303 MIDTERM

docx

School

American Public University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

303

Subject

Computer Science

Date

Jan 9, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by nikherold

1 MIDTERM Nikolaus Herold American Public University System HLSS303: Homeland Security Risk, Threats and Consequences Professor Webster November 26 2023

2 Introduction The United States is one of the most influential entities the world has ever seen. The security of the U.S is a very important task for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). There are always everchanging threats or challenges our nation faces and must find ways to counter are prevent them. The DHS has identified in the Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review that was recently updated as of April 2023 where they compiled 8 critical missions that the nation is addressing and currently trying to combat these challenges. Each of these challenges pose their own issues and could be a killer to how we as a nation operate if not properly addressed. These challenges include changes in global migration, human trafficking, domestic violent extremism, strategic competition from nation states, wide-ranging cyber threats, impacts of climate change, emerging infectious diseases, and transnational organized crime. (Security, 2023) All of these mission challenges pose a severe threat not only to our nation but the communities as well. In order to effective combat these challenges, it is vital that a partnership is made and utilized effectively across the beard of all spectrums whether it be private sector or the DHS. With the proper assistance these challenges will be reduced in turn enhancing and maximizing the mission goals. DHS has played an important role in the whole of-government and whole-of-community approaches to preventing and mitigating the adverse effects of public health emergencies, including coordinating the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic under the first-ever nationwide emergency declaration under the Stafford Act.25 DHS secured and facilitated trade and travel to and from the United States, provided national emergency relief aid, including the 2021 mass vaccination campaign co-led by FEMA and HHS, and ensured the

3 ongoing functionality of critical infrastructure. (Security, The Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, 2023) Throughout this report some of the challenges will be expanded upon as well as how the local communities determine the risk associated based on the type of threat. Each community is unique, and each threat will be treated differently. When it comes to threats of the nation, the DHS must be partner driven and focus on the challenges to reduce the risk associated Crimes of exploitation Human trafficking, labor exploitation, and child exploitation occur at an astounding rate within the US and abroad. “Human trafficking can be hard to detect and harder to stop. Inherently complex, human trafficking crimes can pose a number of barriers to enforcement. They include victim identification challenges, victim fear of seeking help, and a lack of appropriate agency resources.” (NIJ, 2022) Other challenges tie in with trafficking, because of the technological world we live in. it has broadened criminals’ ability in other ways. In order to minimize and fight the crimes of exploitation, both federal and local entities must work together in a combined effort. Sometime reaching out to international partners could enhance the effect. These partnerships are critical in identifying these exploits and putting a stop to it. There may never be a definite solution, but minimizing as much as possible is achievable. Domestic Violent Extremism The threat of terrorism in the U.S. whether it is home or abroad has been around for as long as I can remember and is nothing new. This threat has been on the uprise compared to previous years just basically due to the conflicts in the world today. I believe we are better at identifying the potential attacks before it happens has gotten alot better. We have homed in on lessons learned from previous attacks. It is to the upmost importance that the partnerships

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

4 between local law enforcement, civilian and government agencies work together because without a collective effort, deterring and preventing such acts wouldn’t be possible. “Today, the most significant domestic terrorist threat facing the homeland stems from lone offenders and small groups of individuals. They are motivated by a broad range of racial, ethnic, political, religious, antigovernment, societal, or personal ideological beliefs and grievances—often exacerbated by conspiracy theories and false and misleading narratives spread online.” (Security, The Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, 2023) Of these actors, domestic violent extremists (DVEs)—individuals who are based and operating primarily within the United States seeking to further political goals or address perceived grievances through unlawful acts of force or violence, without direction or inspiration from a foreign terrorist group or other foreign power—represent one of the most persistent and lethal threats facing our nation. (Security, The Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, 2023) Communities are training their staff and law enforcement which gives them the opportunity to identify these individual and their behaviors. DHS is working hand in hand with partners to continue and ensure a more increase public awareness and the development of partnerships across every level of government. Cyber Threats Cyber within the U.S is a critical infrastructure and highly vulnerable to attack from outside entities. Because of the constant chance with technology and the advancement of our near-peer adversaries, it will always be on the watch list for attacks. The biggest challenge within this realm is the ability to effectively provide cyber security. Based on research conducted in 2021, China is responsible for 18.83% of all cyber-attacks in the world. (DavidPur, 2012) In order to mitigate and minimize the cyber threats. Both federal and civilian agencies must work

5 together to reduce these attacks. Working side by side will enhance the overall objective to provide valid and rapid responses to detect and deter attacks in the cyber world. Our nation relies on the technical world on a vast scale that if the proper attack hits the right target at the right time, chaos will ensue in turn affecting critical infrastructure. Transnational Criminal Organizations Transnational organized crime (TOC) poses a direct and escalating threat to public health, public safety, and national security. (Biden, 2021) TOC is not just held to what Hollywood makes it out to be. It comes in many shapes and sizes such as Drug Trafficking, Human Trafficking, smuggling of migrants, trafficking natural resources, wildlife, firearms, medication, and cybercrime. These organizations fill the supply and demand needs from the black market, needs of the not so fortunate individuals. Because the need is so high, they gain a ridiculous profit ultimately making them untouchable due to the influence they hold. Addressing TOC requires a coordinated Federal framework accompanied by a cohesive whole-of-government effort executed in collaboration with State, local, Tribal, territorial, and civil society partners in the United States and in close coordination with foreign partners, international and regional organizations, and international and local civil society groups abroad. (Biden, 2021) In order to effectively fight TOC, it is imperative that we follow the laws set in place. This will ensure that people will remain safe from obtaining illegal goods and reduce the amount of violence that can occur. Infectious Disease Concerns The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact public health and the economy and highlights the need to improve our ability to detect, prevent, prepare for, respond to, recover from, and build resilience to pandemics and future biological threats, consistent with the goals of

6 the 2022 National Biodefense Strategy. (Security, The Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, 2023). Biological threats have been a major concern for the US for a long time. Not only would it affect the people, but also the ways of life such as the livestock, water supplies and agriculture. The pandemic demonstrated the catastrophic impacts a biological incident can have on a country and the world in regards to the amount of lives lost and still losing due to long-term effects and the impact it has on economic and social disruption. Detecting such threats is one of the biggest challenges we face. There is a program monitored and maintained by the DHS called BioWatch. The BioWatch Program provides air-monitoring, analysis, notification procedures, and risk assessment to 30+ jurisdictions. This program can substantially minimize the catastrophic impact of a biological attack. BioWatch involves a large network of stakeholders from public health, emergency management, law enforcement, laboratory, scientific, and environmental health organizations around the country who collaborate to detect and prepare a coordinated response to a bioterrorism attack. (Homeland Security, 2020) It is virtually impossible to prevent all biohazard concerns 100% of the time; however, properly utilizing federal partners in lieu of the private sectors, strategies and procedures can be constructed and put in place to assist if needed. Educating the public and community workers on symptoms, signs will exponentially reduce the chances of spreading or even getting infected. Conclusion The homeland security enterprise has never been more fit for the mission before us: we safeguard the American people with honor and integrity. The core capabilities of our Department have become key to solving the challenges of tomorrow. Finding and sharing information, forging robust partnerships with the communities we serve, and our adaptability will help us

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version

Access to all documents
Unlimited textbook solutions
24/7 expert homework help

7 fulfill our mission for the 20 years to come. (Security, The Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review, 2023) It is vital to ensure the American people are aware and maintain vigilance to help mitigate and identify risks. The private sectors are a small but very important role within the whole community to tackle challenges when the present themselves. The defense of this nation does not solely rely on the DHS. We must work together to ensue the nations stays safe and free.

8 References Biden, J. (2021, Dec 15). The White House. Retrieved from Executive Order on Establishing the United States Council on Transnational Organized Crime: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2021/12/15/executive- order-on-establishing-the-united-states-council-on-transnational-organized-crime/ DavidPur, N. (2012, Jan 4). Which Countries are Most Dangerous? Cyber Attack Origin – by Country. Retrieved from CyberProof: https://blog.cyberproof.com/blog/which-countries- are-most-dangerous Homeland Security. (2020, Jul 14). Detecting Bioterrorist Attacks. Retrieved from https://www.dhs.gov/biowatch-program NIJ. (2022). Federally Backed Human Trafficking Task Force Model Yields Progress, and Opportunities for Continued Growth. Washington D.C: U.S Department of Justice. Security, H. (2023, April 20). Homeland Security. Retrieved from Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2023/04/20/department-homeland-security-issues-qhsr- detailing-strategy-stay-ahead-evolving#:~:text=These%20challenges%20include %20changes%20in,diseases%2C%20and%20transnational%20organized%20crime. Security, H. (2023). The Third Quadrennial Homeland Security Review. Washington D.C.

HLSS303 MIDTERM

Related Documents