A+ A-

US Homeland Security cites strides in counterrorism, cyber, border security

WASHINGTON, Feb 12 (KUNA) -- In a review of the Department of Homeland Security's past year, Secretary Jeh Johnson cited progress in the realms of counterterrorism, cyber, and border security while hinting at possible programs the department may embark this year.
Under counterterrorism Johnson lauded, the coalition to fight the so-called Islamic State, the USD 2 billion in homeland security assistance to local governments and the "strengthening" of the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
He plans to expand the use of social media to find terrorists being radicalized online in every way "consistent with the law." "We have moved from a world of terrorist directed attacks to a world that includes the threat of terrorist inspired attacks - in which the terrorist may have never come face to face with a single member of a terrorist organization, lives among us in the homeland, and self-radicalizes, inspired by something on the internet," said Johnson.
He stressed, "Given the nature of the evolving terrorist threat, building bridges to diverse communities has become a homeland security imperative. Well informed families and communities are the best defense against terrorist ideologies.
Cybersecurity "remains a cornerstone of our Department's mission," Johnson affirmed. Two days ago, President Barack Obama created a national plan that instituted a Commission of Enhancing National Cybersecurity to the department including, "additional investments in technology, federal cybersecurity, cyber education, new cyber talent in the federal workforce, and improved cyber incident response," he said Finally on border security, Johnson plans immigration resources "more effectively on threats to public safety and border security, and, within our existing legal authority." (end) ak.tg