GovSec to explore the evolving threats of cyberterrorism and cybercrime
More than 6,000 government technology experts and law enforcement officials will meet at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., March 29-31 for the Government Security Conference and Expo (GovSec) and the U.S. Law Conference and Exposition. There, they will get the tools and training needed to be the public’s first line of defense against terrorism.
The conference is geared to government administrators of every stripe, said Don Berey, event director for GovSec and U.S. Law Enforcement. “GovSec provides professionals at all levels of government with the information they need, as well as access to the newest systems, tools and technologies for enhancing overall public safety,” Berey told Government Product News.
The following keynote presenters will bring a new perspective on issues affecting homeland security:
U.S. Coast Guard (Ret.) Admiral Thad Allen — Allen demonstrated leadership through a 40-year career with the Coast Guard, and more recently as national incident commander at the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Allen will speak about “Leading Through Crisis and Times of Change.” In his keynote, he will help attendees understand the importance of preparation, preventive readiness and effective crisis management.
Nicholas Stein — As series producer of National Geographic Channel’s “Border Wars,” Stein has a unique insight into border security. He will share his thoughts on the first-hand look he has had at U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s day-to-day challenges in preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the United States.
On the opening day of the conference, March 29, Randy Vickers, director of the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Cybersecurity Division will be one of the keynote speakers.
A free trade expo will showcase public safety technologies, products and vehicles from more than 200 exhibitors. Attendees will have the chance to test their marksman skills and judgment in a simulated firearms championship.
Free educational sessions during the expo cover topics such as grants writing. The course, presented by senior grant consultant Denise Schlegel, will help police departments prepare and submit winning applications for grants.
It also provides tips on best practices to keep a department’s fiscal and personnel grant commitments prioritized within annual budget and management plans.
Another expo course is called “The Art of Perception: A New Perspective for Law Enforcement Professionals.” It is a training program for law enforcement agents in a variety of fields to enhance observation, perception and communication skills by learning to analyze works of art.
An educational conference for law enforcement professionals is part of the GovSec agenda. Sessions will cover law enforcement case studies, tactics and technologies, and there will be tracks on protecting critical infrastructure and safeguards to thwart cyberterrorism and cybercrime.
On Thursday, March 31, Benjamin Frankel, editor of the Homeland Security NewsWire will moderate a panel discussion, “Insider Threat: Challenges and Responses.” The increasing problem of insider threat now necessitates a third layer of security in facilities: making sure that known and identified personnel — prison guards (but also prisoners), scientists in national labs, employees of the National Security Agency, etc. — do not bring illegal or unauthorized materials or gear with them into the facility to perform illegal activities. The panel of experts will address the third layer of facilities and data security by assessing the scope of the problem and discussing the technologies available to address it.
On Wednesday, March 30 and Thursday, March 31, several federal agencies will provide an overview of their programs to federal, state and local security and law enforcement professionals. The agencies will outline available resources to attendees. Here’s a sampling of the federal briefings:
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 – 10:15 am – 10:50 am
FEMA’s Responder Knowledge Base: How to Make Educated Purchasing Decisions
Presented by: FEMA
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 – 11:00 am – 11:50 am
Transferring Excess DoD Property from Warfighter to Crimefighter
Presented by: Law Enforcement Support Office, Defense Logistics Agency
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 – 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm
EPA’s Community-Based Water Resiliency Initiative: Critical Steps to Ensuring Community Resiliency
Presented by: EPA
View more information on the GovSec/U.S. Law 2011 Conference and Expo.
At a Glance
GovSec/U.S. Law 2011 Conference and Expo
March 29-31
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Washington, D.C.
Exhibit Hours:
Wednesday, March 30
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, March 31
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
