smart home devices
,

The FCC’s “U.S. Cyber Trust Mark” Proposal: What It Means for the Security Industry

In July 2023, the Biden administration announced the creation of a voluntary cybersecurity labeling program for smart devices with the goal of protecting American tech consumers. Under the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) subsequently published in August, the new program would be administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), operational as early as late 2024…

Keep Reading »
phone ban concept
, , ,

What SIA Members Need to Know About the New FAR Rule on TikTok

In response to the recent surge of security concerns regarding the application TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance Limited, Congress prohibited federal agency and contractor use under Division R, section 102 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, known as the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act,” which was signed into law Dec. 29, 2022.…

Keep Reading »
drone flying over city
, , , ,

Protecting Mass Gathering Venues Against Drone Threats: How SIA and the Industry Are Leading the Way

,

Bill Edwards and Cory Peterson discuss how SIA and our members are working to advance UAS-specific authorities and regulations within the United States Code. It’s Time to Protect the Public   The weaponization of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, poses a significant threat to public safety and, specifically, those venues that…

Keep Reading »
security screening at airport
, , , , , , , ,

Calls to End Biometrics for Air Traveler Verification Are Misguided, Put Americans at Risk

In a recent letter to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), several U.S. senators have called for ending the successful and popular use of facial recognition technology for traveler verification at TSA screening checkpoints. Unfortunately, the senators’ demand is based on mischaracterizations despite visible information provided by TSA on how the technology is used. It’s always…

Keep Reading »
, , ,

Omnibus Funding Package for 2023: What’s Relevant for the Security Industry

Inside the $1.7 trillion funding bill: technology upgrade money, grants funding, dollars for school safety, standards projects, even new headquarters for FBI and DHS In the final weeks of 2022, Congress unveiled, and quickly passed, a $1.7 trillion omnibus package to fund the government through September 2023. The sweeping spending package is comprised of 12…

Keep Reading »
Business networking
, , , ,

Want to Grow Your Government Business? Participate in an “Industry Day”

Industry Days (and Reverse Industry Days) are a great way for those in the security industry to get a better understanding of how government agencies work and learn about their acquisition plans. Usually held before a Request for Proposal (RFP) is released or before any major program changes are initiated, Industry Days allow for agencies…

Keep Reading »
Commercial drones and security
, , , , ,

Guest Opinion: Act Now to Secure Public Space: Commercial Drones Continue to Evolve and We Have No Plan!

I’ve written before about the urgent need to update and develop airspace regulations for commercial drone technology, and I want to share further thoughts and ideas with the security industry and policy leaders, as I am frustrated with the speed of change on these matters. The time has come to make real changes and develop…

Keep Reading »
semiconductor chipset
, , , , ,

Congress Sends NDAA FY23 to Biden’s Desk, Adds Semiconductor Procurement Restrictions

Bill would authorize more than $850 billion for national security programs Congress has advanced the final version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023 (FY 2023); included in the legislation is the authorization for more than $850 billion for national security programs. Included in the “must-pass” package are procurement provisions addressing…

Keep Reading »
Prison camera system
, , , , , ,

Bill Would Require Federal Prisons to Upgrade to Video Surveillance, Radio and Public Address Systems

Prison Camera Reform Act responds to Justice Department concerns with insufficient camera coverage, inoperable cameras, footage quality, inadequate video retention and system interoperability challenges. Updated Jan. 25, 2023 S. 2899 – The Prison Camera Reform Act of 2021 – which cleared the House floor on Dec. 14, 2022 – was signed by President Joe Biden…

Keep Reading »