Internet works: SIGNAL's guide to surfing savvy

Signal, Jun 2002

The terrorist attacks on September 11 intensified interest in protecting vital national assets, infrastructure and civilian lives. Although homeland security has been a concern among policy makers and analysts for many years, the current global situation has crystallized the need for coherent policies and coordinated actions. A number of World Wide Web sites now provide information and resources on this subject.

National Conference on Homeland Security

www.nchomelandsecurity.org

This not-for-profit, nonpartisan organization is devoted to improving preparation for terrorist incidents and attacks with weapons of mass destruction. Because the majority of the victims of the most recent terrorist attacks were civilian, the conference's home page primarily focuses on first responders and those individuals who must be informed when a crisis emerges. Visitors to the site can access information about upcoming conferences, informational materials, education and training, and risk assessment of terrorist threats. Many of these activities are conducted with government agencies at the federal, state and local levels. In addition, users can access current news articles on anti-terrorism and related topics from around the world.

Air War College Gateway to Homeland Security

www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/ awc-hmld.htm

This Internet gateway is operated by the U.S. Air Force's Air University and offers an extensive source of homeland security data. Visitors can access documents on topics such as bioterrorism, congressional reports on homeland defense, executive orders, military directives and legal analyses of detainee rights. Hyperlinks also connect users with civilian and military government agency Web pages, coordination groups, law enforcement agencies, financial oversight groups, definitions, news and journals.

The ANSER Institue for Homeland Security

www.homelandsecurity.org

This nonprofit research organization is devoted to examining the policy and national security aspects of homeland defense. The institute's home page provides links to upcoming events such as executive-level seminars, public awareness programs and workshops for policy makers. Additional connections direct users to federal-- and state-level home pages, a virtual library and a suggested reading list for researchers. Visitors can read current news on homeland security and the war on terrorism culled from national and international sources and access the online version of the institute's publication, the Journal of Homeland Security.

National Association of Counties

www.naco.org/programs/ homesecurity/index.cfm

This Web page examines homeland security issues from the county government perspective. Created with first responders and other emergency personnel in mind, the site provides information and resources that county governments can use to enhance the safety and protection of their communities. Visitors can browse through federal, state and association policy positions on homeland security or access information about resources and best practices. Additional links connect to federal home pages such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Emergency Management Association.

Useless Knowledge.Com

www.uselessknowledge.com

After a long day pondering vital issues and crucial facts, it is time to move on to something completely trivial. This Web page provides an assortment of resources for trivia enthusiasts. Material is arranged in sections that can be clicked for additional entries. Subject areas include general facts, quotes, world trivia, historical facts, bad predictions and birth dates of famous people. Those seeking a challenge may visit sections devoted to quizzes and riddles. Another interesting feature investigates word and name origins. For example, the term terrorism first appears in English in 1795 in reference to the Reign of Terror that took place during the French Revolution in 1793-1794. According to the site, by 1798, the term was being generally applied to anyone attempting to achieve political goals through violence and intimidation.

No riddles or quizzes are necessary to know where to find the latest news on state-of-the-art communications technology. Just click over to SIGNAL Magazine online at www.afcea.org/signal. TechNet is here! For up-to-the-minute details on this year's conference and show, "Homeland Security: Terrorism and Technology-The Critical Role of IT," visit www.technet2002.org.