A United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report warns that human activity and climate change are severely damaging the planet, posing significant health risks including millions of premature deaths and infertility by 2050. The report, produced by 250 scientists from over 70 countries, calls for drastic environmental protections and a shift to sustainable development. It highlights the potential for green investment and policy changes to mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for a near-zero-waste economy and reduced food waste. The report also underscores the importance of addressing systemic issues like energy, food, and waste management to achieve long-term environmental and health benefits.

The Department of Justice's Office of the Inspector General released a report evaluating the ATF's Frontline Initiative, a business model implemented in 2013 to address management concerns. The report found that while the initiative helped standardize best practices and focus resources, there are areas needing improvement, such as compliance, performance metrics, internal messaging, and partner coordination. The OIG made five recommendations for enhancing the initiative, all of which the ATF agreed to implement.

An INTERPOL Purple Notice has been issued in connection with the Telegrass online drugs network, which operated on Telegram and had over 100,000 members. An international police operation led to the arrest of 42 individuals in Germany, Israel, the United States, and Ukraine, including the alleged leader Amos Dov Silver. The suspects are accused of running an organized crime ring involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and tax offenses. The network operated like a business, with specific units handling different activities and payments made in cash, bitcoin, or drugs. Legal representatives for the defendants deny their clients' involvement in a criminal organization.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) efforts to track nonimmigrant overstays in the United States. While DHS has improved its identification and reporting of air and sea overstays, limitations remain in collecting comprehensive departure data, particularly at land ports of entry. DHS's 2017 overstay report accounted for 97% of expected departures, identifying about 702,000 overstays out of 52.7 million admissions. Efforts are underway to enhance data collection, including pilot programs for biometric data at land ports and airports.

A report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International and the Danish Technological Institute reveals significant growth in the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry, with 80% of related patents published since 2016. The U.S. leads the market with 628 unique UAS models, followed by China with 309. The report emphasizes the need for streamlined regulations to maintain U.S. competitiveness and highlights the potential of UAS technologies when integrated with smart technologies. The report also notes the importance of UAS in search and rescue operations and the ongoing development of civilian and military UAS platforms.

The National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) has released a draft practice guide, SP 1800-15, aimed at securing small-business and home IoT devices using the Manufacturer Usage Description (MUD) specification to mitigate network-based attacks. The guide outlines methods for IoT product developers to limit devices to necessary traffic, enhancing security and preventing DDoS attacks. The NCCoE is seeking public comments on the draft by June 24 to refine the document. The article underscores the rapid growth of IoT devices and the increasing security concerns associated with them.

Canada's Auditor General, Sylvain Ricard, presented audits revealing significant issues in government call centers and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Half of the 16 million callers to various government services could not speak to an agent, with many redirected or disconnected. The RCMP audit highlighted inadequate access to necessary equipment and training for officers. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale accepted the recommendations and detailed ongoing efforts to enhance officer safety and response capabilities, including mandatory tactical training for all RCMP officers.

An INTERPOL-coordinated operation, Trigger V, led to 560 arrests and the seizure of hundreds of weapons across Latin America. The operation involved multiple countries and agencies, resulting in significant seizures of firearms, ammunition, and other contraband. Key arrests included individuals linked to transnational arms trafficking and organized crime groups. The operation also highlighted the trans-continental nature of firearms trafficking, with notable seizures in Costa Rica and Mexico. In a related operation, U.S. and French law enforcement arrested suspects involved in importing firearms into France. The operations underscored the importance of international cooperation in combating organized crime and illegal arms trafficking.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) audited FEMA's 2017 hurricane recovery contracts in Puerto Rico, finding that FEMA did not follow procurement laws and wasted resources by awarding and then canceling contracts with Bronze Star LLC. The audit revealed deficiencies in FEMA's procurement process, including inadequate verification of contractor capabilities and improper use of Federal Acquisition Regulation clauses. Despite OIG's recommendations for improved procedures, FEMA disagreed, asserting that its existing processes are sufficient. OIG maintains that the findings indicate systemic issues within FEMA's procurement practices.

Countries, organizations, and institutions combating terrorism need to enhance information sharing and focus on financial intelligence, according to Weixiong Chen, deputy head of the UN Security Council’s counter-terrorism directorate. Speaking at a special meeting organized by the Council, Chen emphasized overcoming barriers to information-sharing and addressing the limited use of financial intelligence. The meeting, involving various international and regional organizations, aimed to explore the links between terrorism and organized crime, with a regional focus on Latin America, West Africa, Europe, and Asia. Participants discussed the need for strengthened cooperation and the adaptation of successful methods from organized crime cases to terrorism cases.

The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate awarded ENSCO Inc. a $2.9 million contract to continue developing SenseNet, a low-cost integrated sensor system for detecting biological health hazards in buildings. ENSCO will enhance the system to integrate multiple sensor types and analyze data in the cloud for rapid response. Additionally, ENSCO partnered with DeepSig Inc. to use its OmniSIG SDK for advanced signal detection and classification, aimed at improving national security solutions.

The Irish Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton, is consulting on a new cybersecurity strategy to protect individuals, businesses, and Ireland's national security. The strategy aims to ensure the resilient operation of networks and infrastructure and protect against threats like hacking and cyber espionage. The consultation opened on March 19, seeking responses to 10 specific questions regarding the focus and objectives of the strategy, protection of critical infrastructure, electoral integrity, government IT systems security, public information campaigns, development of the cybersecurity industry, skilled worker availability, academia-industry relationships, government understanding of cybersecurity developments, and Ireland's role in international cybersecurity discussions. Submissions are accepted for 30 working days before finalizing the strategy.

A shortage of cyber professionals in the federal workforce is putting federal IT systems and data at risk. The Federal Cybersecurity Workforce Assessment Act of 2015 mandates federal agencies to categorize IT, cybersecurity, and cyber-related positions and identify critical staffing needs. A GAO report found that most federal agencies have miscategorized many cybersecurity roles, hampering effective workforce planning. The report recommends that 22 agencies review and correctly assign codes to their IT positions. The White House budget proposal includes over $1 billion in cybersecurity funding for DHS to protect federal networks and address the workforce shortage by hiring 150 new cybersecurity employees by the end of 2020.

An international investigation involving U.S., German, and Dutch authorities led to the takedown of Wall Street Market, one of the largest dark web marketplaces, and the arrest of three German nationals who administered it. The marketplace, available in six languages, allowed vendors to sell illegal narcotics, counterfeit goods, and hacking software. The administrators conducted an exit scam, diverting about $11 million in virtual currency to their own accounts. A fourth individual, Marcos Paulo De Oliveira-Annibale of Brazil, was also charged for his role as a moderator and public relations representative for the marketplace. Additionally, the Silkkitie (Valhalla Marketplace) was seized by Finnish Customs with the help of the French National Police.

In 2017, fire departments in the United States responded to 26,880,800 calls, a 5% increase from 2016. Despite their name, only 4% of these calls involved actual fires, with 64% categorized as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and rescue. The report highlights the distribution of calls by type, time, and region, noting that the South had the highest number of calls, consistent with its population size. The Northeast had the lowest percentage of EMS runs, possibly due to some departments still focusing on traditional fire suppression. The data underscores the evolving role of fire departments in community emergency response.

IDEMIA has introduced the RapID X1, a handheld wireless device for biometric fingerprint identification, featuring an FBI PIV FAP 30 certified sensor. The device supports mobile identification and authentication, enhancing officer safety. It includes built-in 4G/LTE communication, sunlight-resistant image capture, and can integrate with standard NIST interfaces. The RapID X1 can match fingerprints against local watch lists and verify ID documents by comparing biometric data.

The United States is hosting a global security leadership program involving officials from 56 countries to enhance efforts against transnational crime and terrorism. The initiative includes meetings in 16 U.S. cities, focusing on threats like terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and cybersecurity. Key objectives include fostering global cooperation, neutralizing criminal activities, and balancing law enforcement with civil liberties. The program concludes with a training session in Tampa and a conference co-hosted by the FBI. A participant from Spain noted the U.S.'s emphasis on coordination and understanding of security issues.

The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) released a report addressing the surge in family unit migration from Central America, which has overwhelmed U.S. border agencies and endangered children. The report recommends establishing Regional Processing Centers, reallocating resources, and enacting emergency legislation to expedite asylum processing and modify existing laws. It also suggests international cooperation with Mexico and Guatemala. Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Kevin K. McAleenan supports the recommendations, emphasizing their potential to reduce illegal border crossings and improve child welfare.

U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike in Somalia, killing Abdulhakim Dhuqub, a high-ranking ISIS-Somalia official responsible for daily operations and attack planning. The U.S. supports Somalia's efforts to enhance security and governance. Documents found in Syria reveal ISIS plans for attacks across Europe, including Germany and Switzerland, directed by Abu Khabab al-Muhajir.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has evaluated FEMA's Grants Management Modernization (GMM) program and found that while FEMA has implemented several leading practices for business process reengineering and IT requirements management, it has not fully established plans for new business processes or clear IT requirements. GAO's report also highlights concerns with FEMA's cybersecurity practices and the unrealistic schedule for delivering the GMM program by September 2020. GAO has made eight recommendations to improve FEMA's grant management and cybersecurity, with FEMA agreeing to the recommendations and providing estimated completion dates.

The Justice Department has released a white paper on the CLOUD Act, which updates the legal framework for law enforcement to request electronic evidence from service providers while respecting privacy and foreign sovereignty. The Act addresses the challenges of data location in the Internet age, allowing for faster and more efficient access to electronic evidence across borders. Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard W. Downing highlighted the Act's importance for international cooperation and addressed criticisms of it being U.S.-centric. The white paper emphasizes the need for lawful and efficient access to electronic evidence to ensure public safety and security.

Six UK companies have received over £460,000 to develop technologies for detecting concealed knives in crowded areas, funded by the UK Home Office and Department of Transport. This initiative is part of the Serious Violence Strategy, with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory and Defence and Security Accelerator overseeing the project. The technologies, which include radar and electromagnetic sensors, aim to be safe and unobtrusive. The announcement coincides with the Prime Minister's Serious Youth Violence summit and new measures by Home Secretary Sajid Javid to enhance stop and search powers. The government has also allocated £100 million to support areas affected by serious violence and appointed Impetus to manage a £200 million Youth Endowment Fund. A consultation on holding teachers, health workers, and police accountable for not spotting violent crime is also underway.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has criticized the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for not considering all relevant criteria, such as socioeconomic impacts and fatalities from evacuations, in its risk assessment of radioactive materials that could be used in dirty bombs. Experts and studies suggest that the NRC's current focus on immediate health effects from radiation exposure is insufficient. The GAO's report recommends that the NRC include these broader criteria and implement additional security measures for smaller quantities of high-risk radioactive materials. The NRC has largely disagreed with these recommendations, maintaining that its current regulations are adequate.

Simulated cyber attacks on UK universities revealed that hackers could access high-value data within two hours. Organized by Jisc, the tests showed vulnerabilities in personal data, finance systems, and research networks. The Higher Education Policy Institute and Jisc published a report highlighting the need for improved cybersecurity measures, including adopting a new British Standard on cyber risk and resilience. The report emphasized the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks and the necessity for university leaders to take decisive action. Notable incidents included attacks by Iranian and North Korean groups targeting UK universities for intellectual property theft.

China's State Council Information Office released a white paper on counterterrorism and extremism, emphasizing human rights protection in Xinjiang. The document highlights threats from 'East Turkistan' forces and details measures like education and training centers aimed at de-radicalization. The Soufan Center's analysis estimates two million people are detained in these centers, criticizing them as ineffective and counterproductive. The report suggests that China's counterterrorism policies may incite further extremist behavior and international terrorism against Chinese interests.

The FBI has been criticized for its complacent and potentially dangerous approach to terror threats in the U.S. maritime system, as revealed by an audit from the Office of Inspector General. The audit found significant deficiencies in the FBI's collaboration with maritime security stakeholders and the issuance of Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) cards to known or suspected terrorists. The report highlights that some individuals on the No Fly list were granted TWIC cards, allowing them unescorted access to secure port areas. The FBI's assessment of maritime terrorism threats is based on incomplete information, and the bureau does not conduct its own formal threat assessments. The audit makes nine recommendations to improve the FBI's maritime counterterrorism activities, all of which the FBI has agreed to implement.

By 2025, the number of people entering the EU is expected to rise to 900 million annually, a 50% increase from the current 600 million. This surge, with a significant portion being non-EU nationals, is straining the EU's traveler processing capabilities amid ongoing security threats. Frontex Executive Director Fabrice Leggeri emphasized the need for innovative technologies to manage these challenges. Frontex is organizing a dialogue session with industry representatives to explore future technological concepts for border security. The event is scheduled for May 16, 2019, in Warsaw, Poland.

Data breaches have exposed the personal data of millions, increasing the risk of identity theft. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) suggests that while identity theft services can be convenient, they do not prevent fraud. GAO's report highlights that no single solution can address all risks from data breaches, advocating for a layered approach to security. Public and private entities sometimes offer complimentary identity theft services, but their effectiveness in preventing fraud is unproven. Free options like credit freezes and regular account monitoring are recommended. GAO also suggests that Congress reconsider the mandated $5 million per-person coverage for identity theft insurance, as it may be unnecessary and costly.

State and local officials are increasingly taking sides in the national immigration debate due to local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities and rising partisan pressures. The Bipartisan Policy Center's report, based on 2017 and 2018 bipartisan roundtables with National Association of Counties and National Conference of State Legislatures members, reveals the challenges states and communities face in the absence of federal immigration reform. Officials seek Congressional action to end the divisive debate and allow them to serve their constituents effectively. There is a consensus on the importance of immigrants to local workforces and the need for Congress to reform immigration laws. However, there is disagreement on whether localities should cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The roundtable discussions highlighted the negative impact of federal polarization and external influences on state and local immigration policy-making, with a unanimous call for Congress to address immigration reform to provide clarity and support for local governments.

Over a year after the 2017 hurricanes, much of the $35 billion allocated for recovery remains unspent due to ongoing planning phases in Florida, Puerto Rico, Texas, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed the federal response, highlighting that the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lacks adequate guidance for staff, a comprehensive monitoring plan, and a strategic workforce plan. GAO issued five recommendations to improve HUD's oversight and management of disaster recovery grants. HUD is working on increasing its staff to meet these recommendations, but further workforce planning is needed to ensure sufficient oversight.

The Government Accountability Office found that the Department of Homeland Security did not report on all required metrics of border security effectiveness in its 2017 report and failed to disclose some data limitations. DHS reported on 35 of 43 metrics mandated by the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017, using generally reliable data but omitting certain limitations. GAO recommends that DHS systematically review data reliability, identify limitations, communicate these in its annual Border Security Metrics Report, and include sensitivity analyses and measures of statistical uncertainty for metrics based on statistical models. DHS concurred with the recommendations and plans to implement them by October 2020.

The United Nations had 14 ongoing peacekeeping operations with approximately 103,000 personnel as of December 2018, with the United States being the largest financial contributor. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed these operations and found that they generally do not fully meet U.S. principles for effective peacekeeping. The GAO recommends that the Secretary of State work with the UN to ensure peacekeeping operations meet these principles and provide better cost information. The UN has begun reforms to improve performance data, but more work is needed to address member states' concerns. The GAO report includes case studies, such as the Mission for Justice Support in Haiti, highlighting challenges in transitioning peacekeeping operations.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has identified several fraud risks in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which oversees over 1.2 million foreign students in the U.S. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed ICE's controls to address these risks and found delays in recertifying schools, inconsistent training for designated school officials (DSOs), and a lack of advanced data analytics. GAO recommends ICE develop a fraud risk profile, improve recertification processes, and enhance DSO training. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has agreed with these recommendations and aims to implement them by October 2020.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlights increasing risks to the nation's critical infrastructure due to evolving cybersecurity threats. Despite progress, significant challenges remain, including the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, securing federal systems, protecting critical infrastructure, and safeguarding privacy and sensitive data. GAO has made over 3,000 recommendations since 2010, with about 700 still unimplemented. The administration has taken steps such as issuing executive orders and strategies, but more work is needed. GAO suggests Congress consider amending laws to better protect personally identifiable information and strengthen the consumer privacy framework.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has added the government-wide personnel security clearance process to its High-Risk List due to significant challenges in timely processing, quality measurement, and IT security. The Security Clearance, Suitability, and Credentialing Performance Accountability Council (PAC) has made some progress, such as reducing the backlog of background investigations, but has not fully met the criteria for high-risk removal. Key issues include delays in clearance processing, incomplete quality measures, and IT security concerns. GAO recommends several actions, including evidence-based reviews and modernization of IT systems, to address these challenges.

The Government Accountability Office reported that the EPA delayed assessments of toxic chemicals and reduced the number of chemicals being assessed in 2018. Despite improvements in the IRIS Program's timeliness and transparency, EPA leadership halted the release of IRIS-associated documentation and redirected staff to support the implementation of the Toxic Substances Control Act. Industry representatives expressed concerns that delays in the review process are pushing companies to introduce chemicals in foreign markets, particularly Europe. The GAO also found that the EPA has made progress in implementing TSCA, responding to statutory deadlines and finalizing rules for prioritizing and evaluating chemicals. However, proposed budget cuts have raised concerns about the future resources available for expanding assessment work. Congress has maintained funding at fiscal year 2017 levels, rejecting the proposed cuts.

Huawei has inaugurated a Cyber Security Transparency Centre in Brussels, aiming to enhance collaboration with European stakeholders amidst U.S. concerns over potential security risks. The center will showcase Huawei's cybersecurity practices and facilitate communication on security standards. Despite U.S. lobbying, European leaders, including Germany and the UK, are not imposing a blanket ban on Huawei, opting instead for security measures and potential bilateral agreements. The UK's stance may evolve post-Brexit, but an outright ban remains unlikely.

The Krowd, a new app developed by KrowdThink, enables users in crowded areas to report suspicious behavior directly to security teams. Funded by the UK government with nearly £250,000, it is part of the Improving Crowd Resilience initiative following the 2017 terror attacks. The app transforms users into a 'virtual sensor' network, deterring potential threats by allowing instant reporting. It will be deployed at Broadgate Quarter in London and was one of the projects sharing £1 million from the Defence and Security Accelerator facilitated ICR programme. Geoff Revill of KrowdThink highlighted the acceleration of commercial progress due to government support.

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at the Department of Homeland Security found that the United States Coast Guard has not been properly reporting service members prohibited from possessing firearms to the FBI. The OIG identified several issues with the Coast Guard's data management and reporting processes, including incomplete information in their Law Manager database and a lack of direct access to the FBI's National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for field investigators. The Coast Guard has since updated its policies and is considering further improvements. The OIG made eight recommendations to address these issues, which the Coast Guard has agreed to implement.

The UK government plans to proscribe Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organization, subject to Parliament's approval. This decision includes Ansaroul Islam and JNIM, which operate in Africa's Sahel region. Membership or support for these groups will carry a sentence of up to 10 years' imprisonment. The move is based on the inability to distinguish between Hezbollah's military and political wings. Home Secretary Sajid Javid and Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt have expressed that Hezbollah's actions destabilize the Middle East and threaten UK's national security. The US and Israel have commended the UK's decision. Additionally, several aliases of already proscribed organizations have been added to the UK's list of terrorist organizations.

In September 2017, hurricanes Irma and Maria caused extensive damage to the U.S. Virgin Islands, leading to significant federal assistance from FEMA. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reviewed FEMA's Public Assistance program, which provided over $1.4 billion in funding for emergency and permanent work. The USVI is transitioning to the Public Assistance alternative procedures program, which offers fixed-cost estimates for projects, providing more flexibility and financial incentives for timely completion. GAO will continue to monitor and report on the USVI's disaster recovery efforts.

Pro-migrant activists from the group 'Tornillo: The Occupation' protested at the National Border Patrol Museum in El Paso, Texas, defacing a memorial to fallen agents. The protest aimed to highlight alleged human rights violations by the U.S. Border Patrol, with activists placing stickers of deceased migrants on the memorial. The museum, which is non-political and nonprofit, is pursuing charges against the protesters. Military police from Fort Bliss responded to the incident, and the museum is assessing property damage.

The Munich Security Conference highlighted tensions between the U.S. and its allies, with criticism directed at President Trump's policies, including steel tariffs and the withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal. German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas and Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed concerns over U.S. actions, while Vice President Mike Pence defended American positions. Former Vice President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of U.S. commitment to its allies. The conference underscored the need for cooperation amidst global challenges, despite the current discord.

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that the Department of Defense (DOD) has not fully assessed the tradeoffs and risks associated with expanding public access to military commissions’ proceedings for terrorism trials. The GAO suggests that the DOD should develop a strategy to address public access challenges, especially as demand is expected to increase during trial phases. The DOD concurred with the recommendation and plans to form a working group to study the issue and report by December 31, 2019.

The retail and consumer products industry is increasingly targeted by sophisticated cyber-attacks from various malicious actors, including nation-states and criminal groups. Despite the rising threat, the industry has not sufficiently invested in cybersecurity measures, particularly in securing supply chains. Data breaches, especially involving financial information, are becoming more frequent and costly. The report highlights the need for the retail sector to adopt threat-based cybersecurity strategies and digital transformation initiatives to enhance security and operational efficiency. High-profile retailers like Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, and TaoBao are driving the digital transformation, but many traditional retailers are struggling to keep up. The article underscores the importance of integrating security into digital transformation efforts to mitigate new vulnerabilities and protect against evolving cyber threats.

A Pew Research Center survey conducted among 27,612 respondents in 26 countries reveals that climate change, cyber attacks, and ISIS are perceived as the top global security threats. Concerns about climate change have significantly increased since 2013, especially in France and Mexico. Cyber attacks are a growing concern, particularly in the U.S., where 74% of respondents cited it as their top threat. The threat from ISIS remains significant but has decreased in several countries. The survey also highlights ideological and partisan divides in threat perceptions, with those on the left more concerned about climate change and those on the right more concerned about ISIS. Education and age also influence threat perceptions, with more educated individuals and older age groups showing different levels of concern.