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Homeland Security Today
By Staff
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced Wednesday the appointment of 25 new members to the Maritime Transportation System National Advisory Committee (MTSNAC). The MTSNAC Charter will advise the Secretary, through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Administrator, on ways to identify and address impediments hindering the effective use of short sea transportation.
The MTSNAC’s counsel comes at a critical time when the Biden-Harris Administration’s top economic priority is tackling inflation and reducing costs for American families. The new members will serve on the MTSNAC during the implementation of the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, when addressing supply chains and moving goods to market has never been more important.
“Our maritime industry plays a central role in our supply chains and our economic strength as a nation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “These new members will help us deliver the maritime investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, fighting inflation and reducing delays for the American people.”
The MTSNAC comprises leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academic, and environmental groups that advise the Secretary on policies to ensure that the U.S. marine transportation system can respond to continual increases in trade.
The MTSNAC will ultimately comprise 22 members from public and private entities and 5 senior federal employees from various agencies whose purpose is to guide the Secretary of Transportation on matters relating to U.S. maritime transportation, its integration with other segments of the transportation system, and the viability of the U.S. Merchant Marine.
“The diverse and inclusive perspectives of these leaders will truly make a difference in the maritime industry,” said Maritime Administrator Ann Phillips. “We look forward to the energy they will bring to help tackle the urgent challenges business, labor, and federal and state governments face addressing bottlenecks at ports and speeding the movement of people and goods.”
The Department strives to select dynamic individuals with in-depth knowledge of their respective industries or government sectors. Members are nominated through a full and open process published in the Federal Register. The final two members will be appointed at a later date.
The new members are:
- Mr. Russell Adise, U.S. Department of Commerce
- Ms. Aimee Andres Inland Rivers, Ports and Terminals, Inc.
- Ms. Cheryl Ball, Missouri Department of Transportation
- Ms. Lauren Beagen, Roger Williams University
- Ms. Lisa Burley, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Mr. David Cicalese, International Longshoremen’s Association
- Mr. Brian Clark, North Carolina Ports Authority
- Mr. Mario Cordero, Port of Long Beach
- Mr. James Dillman, Gateway Terminal
- Ms. Berit Eriksson, Sailors’ Union of the Pacific
- Mr. Roger Guenther, Port Houston
- Mr. Craig Johnson, Flagship Management, LLC
- Mr. Brian Jones, Nucor Corporation
- Mr. David Libatique, Port of Los Angeles
- Mr. Mike Moltzen, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- Ms. Pat Mutschler, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
- Mr. Stephen Spoljaric, Bechtel
- Mr. Erik Stromberg Lamar University, Center for Port Management
- Ms. Shelly Sugarman, U.S. Coast Guard
- Mr. Jack Sullivan, Matson Navigation, Inc.
- Mr. Augustine Tellez, Seafarers International Union of North America
- Mr. Adam Tindall-Schlicht, Port of Milwaukee
- Ms. Penny Traina, Columbiana County Port Authority
- Mr. Tom Wetherald, Global Dynamics – NASSCO
- Mr. Robert Wellner, Liberty Global Logistics, LLC
Robert Wellner and David Libatique will serve as Chair and Vice-Chair respectively.
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State of NJ
By Staff
NEW YORK CITY - Governor Kathy Hochul with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy today announced that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, in partnership with Amtrak and NJ TRANSIT, is requesting proposals from architecture and engineering firms to guide the Penn Station Reconstruction effort recently outlined in the Penn Station Master Plan study that was announced in the fall. Governor Hochul's plan calls for the transformation of Penn Station into a modern, spacious, light-filled facility that is easy to navigate, while also revitalizing the surrounding neighborhood to prioritize the public realm and social services, invest in affordable housing, increase transit access and shared streets, and create a pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Penn Reconstruction will modernize the concourse experience for passengers with improved platform connectivity, streamlined wayfinding and enhanced amenities. The future expansion of Penn Station will add track and platform capacity and be fully integrated with a reconstructed Penn Station.
"The transformation of Penn Station into a world-class, commuter-focused transportation facility befitting the central hub of the greatest city in the world cannot come soon enough," Governor Hochul said. "We have shared a vision of a single-level unified station with soaring ceilings that welcome natural light, clear, intuitive sightlines, more circulation space and more connectivity to streets and platforms. With this announcement, the MTA is taking a concrete step toward making that vision a reality. Thanks to the efforts of the Biden Administration, Senator Schumer's leadership and the support of Senator Gillibrand and our congressional delegation, new federal resources are available to assist in creating a new Penn Station for the entire region."
"Penn Station is a major transportation hub that hosts millions of train and subway commuters along its corridors every year," said Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado. "Launching this infrastructure project to modernize Penn Station will result in a first-class transit hub that New Yorkers can be proud of and will improve passenger amenities and circulation within the station, create construction jobs and transform the area for businesses and residents."
"As the centerpiece of one of the most important transportation networks in the world, Penn Station requires an atmosphere and appearance that reflect its tremendous importance to the region," said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. "For several decades Penn Station has not provided New Jersey commuters and visitors with the comfort and convenience they deserve. Now, as a result of partnerships across agencies and state lines, we are prepared to take the next step toward the long-awaited transformation of this pivotal transportation hub."
In accordance with the master plan developed by MTA and its partner railroads, the rebuilt station will:
- Integrate train boarding and all public functions and amenities on a single level with broad concourses and high ceilings
- Create a main concourse on the east side of the station that will be considerably larger than the areas of Moynihan Train Hall and the Great Hall at Grand Central Terminal combined
- Double the ceiling height of the public concourses
- Establish clear sightlines to platform entrances to provide intuitive travel paths through the station
- Increase the number of stairs, escalators and elevators to the station's 11 platforms by 33 percent
- Improve/enlarge pedestrian entrances
The current Penn Station - the Western Hemisphere's busiest transit hub - serves more passengers than LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy and Newark Airports combined. Amtrak's operation in the new Moynihan Train Hall provides an opportunity to overhaul Penn Station, eliminating the bulk of the first subterranean level to open up the main concourse to natural light, improving retail and other user amenities, increasing safety and security, significantly expanding passenger circulation areas, expanding entrances and exits, and making it easier for passengers to navigate within the station and to connect to their destinations beyond. The reconstruction of the station is expected to cost between six and seven billion dollars and is estimated to be completed five to six years after the start of construction.
Additionally, Empire State Development announced the creation of the Penn Station Area Public Realm Task Force, which will advise ESD on public realm improvements to revitalize and beautify the area around Penn Station, including reimagined streetscapes and new open spaces. The Public Realm Task Force comprises representatives of involved State and City agencies, local elected officials, community boards, civic organizations and other stakeholders.
Public Realm Task Force Membership
- Governor's office:
- Deputy Secretary of Economic Development
- Deputy Secretary of Transportation
- Deputy Secretary of Human Services
- Empire State Development
- MTA
- Amtrak
- New Jersey Transit
- New York City Mayor's Office
- NYC Dept of Transportation
- NYC Dept of City Planning
- NYC Economic Development Corporation
- Manhattan CBs 4 and 5 (2 appointees from each Board)
- Civic organizations
- Regional Plan Association
- 34th Street Partnership
- Developers in GPP Area
- MSG
- Congressman Jerrold Nadler
- Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney
- State Senator Brad Hoylman
- State Senator Robert Jackson
- State Senator Liz Krueger
- Assemblyman Richard Gottfried
- Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine
- Councilmember Erik Bottcher
The Task Force will be charged with developing a Public Realm Concept Plan, assisted by noted architect Claire Weisz's WXY Studio, that includes a prioritized list of desired public improvements like the designs of streets and open spaces, and guiding principles for additional public realm design, programming, and operations. ESD and the Task Force will also work closely with the New York City Department of City Planning to ensure its work is coordinated and consistent with the City's broader public realm planning goals.
A Penn Station Area Public Realm Fund will be created, funded by a portion of the real estate revenues generated by new redevelopment of the GPP sites, starting with a commitment of $50 million in early project revenues.
Governor Hochul today also announced the premiere of a video showcasing the State's vision for a new Penn Station and for the revitalization of the area surrounding it. The video encapsulates public presentations made during more than one hundred meetings to community groups and elected officials over the past two years, so all New Yorkers can understand the plan, and how - after decades of trying -- New York can finally build a New Penn Station, worthy of the Empire State. The digital video can be found here and on a new webpage about the project.
In parallel with Penn Reconstruction design, the railroads anticipate beginning a review of the Penn Reconstruction project under the National Environmental Policy Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. That review will include robust outreach as required by law and will be supplemented by a Station Working Advisory Group to ensure as many local and regional voices as possible are heard and the best ideas are incorporated into the design.
Reimagining the station is part of the Governor's commitment to ensuring equitable transit access and achieving economic development. This will be particularly beneficial for users of the forthcoming Metro-North Railroad stations in the East Bronx (Co-op City, Morris Park, Parkchester, and Hunts Point), for whom travel times to and from Midtown will be reduced by up to 50 minutes as a result of Penn Access.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "The revitalization of Penn Station will catalyze new investments and development in the surrounding neighborhoods, supporting the overall economic growth of the community, and provide a long-overdue modern transit hub for residents, commuters and visitors. Through the Public Realm Task Force, we will develop a sustainable plan for improvements in the areas around Penn Station, incorporating feedback from the people who live and work in this critical business district."
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, "This is a huge step in our ongoing effort to completely transform Penn Station. The MTA has already completed the iconic new entrance to Penn on Seventh Avenue and we are approaching the finish line on the project to double the size of the Long Island Rail Road concourse in the station. The next steps are laid out in the Master Plan we developed. Imagine a soaring world class station with high ceilings, open spaces and natural light - like Grand Central Terminal or Moynihan Train Hall. That's where we are headed in this next phase."
New Jersey Transit President and CEO Kevin S. Corbett said, "This request for proposals represents an important first step by NJ TRANSIT and our partners at the MTA and Amtrak to deliver the world-class experience our Penn Station customers deserve. Penn Station serves as a vital hub for the millions of NJ TRANSIT customers who commute to and from New York annually. I look forward to working with our partners on a design that ultimately transforms and expands the station into an open, welcoming and modern facility that meets the needs of today, and accommodates the demands of tomorrow."
Senator Chuck Schumer said, "The destruction of Penn Station in the 1960s remains one of worst planning decisions in the history of New York. For decades, millions of New Yorkers have been forced to suffer through the consequences of that decision in cramped conditions at the modern Penn Station. Today's announcement by Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, and Amtrak will be the first step in righting this historic wrong. A plan to rebuild and revitalize Penn Station will mean safer and more efficient commutes for millions of LIRR riders and, in the future, Metro-North customers too."
Representative Jerrold Nadler said, "New Yorkers have long deserved a renewed Penn Station. I'm proud to have fought for vital federal infrastructure dollars, which when invested in Penn Station and the Gateway Tunnel project will generate thousands of good jobs, render Manhattan's West Side more accessible, and provide the infrastructure improvements New York needs to recover from these tough times. I applaud Governor Hochul's announcement of a consensus-driven design and community focused process that will lead to a true world class train station and neighborhood worthy of New York."
Representative Jamaal Bowman said, "I am proud to see new developments at Penn Station underway. These modernization efforts are part of the Metro-North expansion that I supported last year and will assist neighbors throughout the 16th Congressional District in getting around New York quickly and safely. I am confident these developments will also be accessible to all furthering New York's efforts to make transportation inclusive for all under any circumstances."
Representative Ritchie Torres said, "A reimagined Penn Station with access to and from the Bronx and other boroughs will bring working families shorter commute times as well as much needed access to jobs, healthcare, and education. This project goes beyond the improvements of the station itself and prioritizes investments in affordable housing, commuter safety, and sustainable community spaces. I applaud Governor Hochul's next step in making this vision a reality for New Yorkers."
Assemblymember Richard Gottfried said, "The State, City and railroads are finally coming together to create a people-first modern Penn Station and a first class public realm. We have endured the conditions in and around Penn Station for far too long. Thanks to Governor Hochul's leadership, we are on the way to achieving what many thought was impossible: a Penn Station and surrounding streetscape that will make New Yorkers proud."
State Senator Tim Kennedy said, "Penn Station is a critical piece of New York City's transportation infrastructure, but its patrons deserve a better experience. This reconstruction plan will enhance the experience for travelers and improve accessibility as well as the overall neighborhood's wellbeing. I thank Governor Hochul, the MTA, and all of our partners for their cooperation in moving this vital project forward."
Assemblymember Amy Paulin said, "This next step in the renovation of Penn Station is an exciting one. Public transportation is essential to the lives and livelihoods of our region's residents and economy. Thousands of commuters and travelers who go through Penn Station daily will have a significant quality-of-life benefit from Penn Station's reconstruction. Metro-North riders and reverse commuters will also benefit, supporting New York's job market and economy. The way to maintain and build ridership is to modernize major hubs like Penn Station, and it's great to see this ahead as the MTA begins this next phase."
New York City Mayor Eric Adams said, "For too long, Penn Station has been outdated and inefficient, and for too long, petty disagreements have gotten in the way of progress. I am so pleased that these partners have come together and are working constructively to get this project done for New York City. We have more work to do, but with this partnership, I know we will get it done because we must — for the future of the city, the state, and the region. I want to thank Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, and our partners at the MTA, NJ Transit, and Amtrak for taking one crucial step closer to building the transportation hub that New Yorkers demand and deserve."
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, "It is beyond time that we realize a new, improved and modern Penn Station that puts people and transit riders first. Penn Station serves as more than a gateway into the city -- it's a key passage for workers, residents and New Yorkers who wish to travel to and through Manhattan. A new station will be emblematic of a New York City that prioritizes commuters and local users, and I look forward to working with the advisory group and the Governor to ensure that this vision is achieved."
President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York Gary LaBarbera said, "Today marks a critical step forward for the modernization and revitalization of Penn Station, a project that will lead to the creation of thousands of middle-class careers for the city's working people and breathe new life into this iconic New York City landmark. We applaud Governor Hochul for her visionary leadership in advancing this project of great significance to the entire state, and we look forward to working with all stakeholders and our partners across the industry and in government to transform Penn Station into a 21st century gateway that we can take great pride in."
President and CEO of the New York Building Congress Carlo A. Scissura said, "For decades, New Yorkers have been subjected to dismal conditions that have defined Penn Station and aren't fit for the greatest city in the world. Commuters deserve a world-class, rider-first transit hub that welcomes them into the heart of the city, with the capacity to handle more riders from the Metro-North expansion and the critical Gateway Program. I applaud Governor Hochul for her bold vision to deliver a Penn Station worthy of New Yorkers, and for taking action to usher in a brighter future for New York."
Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia said, "New York Penn Station is one of the busiest transportation facilities in the world. Amtrak is committed to ensuring its future for generations of rail travelers which will benefit the entire Northeast Corridor. As the owner and steward of the station, we are eager to advance the station's transformation. Our partnership with Governor Hochul and Governor Murphy will deliver a long-awaited dream to both reconstruct and expand Penn Station."
Amtrak President and CEO Stephen Gardner said, "New York Penn Station is more than just the busiest rail hub in North America - it is a gateway to the nation's largest city for rail passengers from across the nation. We thank Governor Hochul, Governor Murphy, MTA and NJ TRANSIT for their partnership to design a beautiful new, modern and bright, world-class station complex fit for New York. With the support and collaboration of our partners, we will give the region's residents, visitors and commuters an improved station that increases its vitality to the city, economy and local community."
MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer said, "Rebuilding Penn Station starts with great design, and we are seeking world-class talent to assist us in this effort with this solicitation. Representatives of the three railroads will select this multidisciplinary team to support all aspects of the next phase of the project, including detailed design and engineering as well as the robust stakeholder and community outreach the Governor has committed to for this project."
MTA Long Island Rail Road Interim President and MTA Metro-North Railroad President Catherine Rinaldi said, "The reconstruction of Penn Station is great for Long Island, and will be great for Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut customers on Metro-North's New Haven Line in just a few short years. With Grand Central set to host LIRR trains before the end of the year, creating the ability to connect between Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North under one roof for the first time, I am thrilled to see the Governor's continued commitment to creating a world class customer experience for riders of both railroads at Penn Station."
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said, "New Yorkers deserve a 21st century transportation hub that will spur job growth and economic development for generations to come, and they will get just that with this transformational project. I applaud Governor Hochul for her effective leadership in moving this ambitious plan for Penn Station forward and look forward to continuing to work with her to get this project over the finish line."
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Yahoo Finance
By Staff
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 09, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Xage, the zero trust security company, today introduced the first-ever distributed, multi-layer multi-factor authentication (MFA) designed for real-world operations.
Critical infrastructure systems are increasingly under attack, and these complex environments filled with legacy technologies are notoriously difficult-to-secure. Federal security directives and alerts from the TSA and CISA require improved MFA in Operational Technology (OT) environments; however, operators can’t rely on traditional IT-based MFA tactics to protect essential services.
Human error causes 95% of security breaches. Bad actors exploit this through MFA bombing, a technique which sends numerous secondary MFA requests until the user unintentionally grants permission. This can happen when MFA requires only one additional factor to log-in, such as a one-time password sent to a secondary device. For instance, digital extortion group Lapsus$ recently breached identity management platform Okta through a third-party provider using MFA bombing.
To prevent attacks that rely on human error and social engineering, such as MFA bombing, critical operations need multiple layers of authentication. Xage’s multi-layer MFA combines zero trust access control with a defense in-depth authentication strategy. Users reconfirm their identity as they are granted each layer of access privilege, allowing independent user verification at the level of a whole operation, a site, or even a single asset. As a result, compromise of an individual authentication factor—such as would happen in an MFA bombing attack—does not allow the attacker to compromise the user’s whole identity and gain illegitimate access to assets, systems, or applications. Xage’s multi-Layer MFA makes critical infrastructure essentially impenetrable to MFA bombing, delivering real world zero trust using a defense-in-depth approach.
“Critical infrastructure asset owners and operators are in the crosshairs of the evolving threat landscape, and TTPs are becoming more sophisticated, including MFA bombing,” said Jonathon Gordon, Directing Analyst at Takepoint Research. “Xage’s multi-layer MFA solution requires users to pass an additional and unique MFA challenge at each layer. This distinctive approach can further secure critical operations against malicious actors using advanced MFA attacks and prevent major shutdowns that impact both production systems and the safety of communities they serve.”
“Multi-layer MFA is hard to achieve in IT environments, and even harder in OT. Managing authentication for thousands of dispersed technologies of different vintages that don’t inherently support MFA becomes too complex,” said Duncan Greatwood, Xage CEO. “Xage now makes it easy for customers to utilize multi-layer MFA at each site, asset, zone, and subsystem, without the need to rip and replace existing systems. Combined with our zero trust identity and access management capabilities, operations can now manage access and interactions at each layer of the environment.”
Xage’s solution fingerprints each device and user across the entire network. User access is then precisely controlled, restricted only to specific devices or systems, time or session length. Even if adversaries break through one layer or an individual site, they’re isolated and unable to further infiltrate the system, ensuring critical services remain operational.
The increase of hacks and new federal regulations combined add urgency to the adoption of Xage’s technology. Just this month, Xage announced that critical infrastructure customers have more than doubled in the past year, and two-thirds are accelerating zero trust rollouts to meet government requirements.
To learn more about how the Xage Fabric can secure and transform your organization, visit Xage.com. Xage is currently offering a free trial for secure remote access solution to qualified critical infrastructure operators.
About Xage
Xage is the first and only zero trust real-world security company. The Xage Fabric accelerates and simplifies the way enterprises secure, manage and transform digital operations across OT, IT, and cloud. Xage solutions include Identity & Access Management (IAM), remote access, and dynamic data security, all powered by the Xage Fabric.
Media Contact
LaunchSquad for Xage
xage@launchsquad.com
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Trip Wire
By Michael Betti
Working in the Electric Utility sector of critical infrastructure gives a person a very unique perspective on how many of the pieces of the puzzle fit together to provide uninterrupted services to a broad population. My personal experience as a software engineer in the electrical industry introduced me to the nuances that the average person doesn’t consider when they flip on a light switch. When I moved into the cybersecurity space, an entirely new realm was opened up.
The shifting sands of cybersecurity, along with regulations are sowing the seeds of vast changes, not only in the electrical sector, but in all utilities. However, when seeking direction in protecting the utility sector, the most mature model is the one presented by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), specifically, the Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) guidance. The NERC CIP is the most mature of the utility control models and has just surpassed its 20th birthday.
Part of what makes NERC CIP relevant to critical industry verticals as a whole is that it was developed out of the attention brought about by the large East Coast power outage of 2003. Realization that malware lurking on systems giving command and control capability to and outside entity was a major risk to our infrastructure and safety and something had to be done to address that risk. Recent events in water management, food production and pipeline security have shone a bright light on making these sectors more secure as well. What better way to create new guidance than to borrow what works from an existing source?
Why More Guidance for Critical INfrastructure was Created
The need for more guidance in other sectors hit a tipping point in the last year. Both supply chain attacks, and trade wars lead to new protective responses, including the Pipeline System Security Directive, the Rail and Airport Operators Security Directive, and the Water/Wastewater 100-day plan. These are all aimed towards making the security of these critical systems more comprehensive.
Yet, it is still the early days of these new protective mechanisms. For example, the Pipeline System Security Directive is still voluntary. Also, the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), which authored the directive has gone so far as to recommend that pipeline management should consider NERC CIP as the framework to follow. Likewise, TSA is looking to institute fines for violations, mimicking NERC CIP, but to a lesser extent. This is a very aggressive approach, as it moves compliance from voluntary to compulsory.
The questions that arise from all this are not unlike many of the other questions that surround other regulations. That is, is the guidance aimed towards Information Technology (IT), or Operational Technology (OT), or both and is the guidance attempting to achieve security, or compliance? Additionally, each of the above critical infrastructure verticals falls under a different jurisdiction of Sector Risk Management Agencies (DOE, EPA, TSA, etc.) and not centrally under CISA. Thus, the balkanized jurisdiction structure magnifies the complicating the matters of added expense due to redundancy, timeliness of implementation and consistency of cybersecurity policies, procedures and compliance to protect all critical infrastructure. Tactically, there are also the typical questions about audit and enforcement, such as how, and who will be the gatekeepers? After twenty years of NERC CIP, the rapid emergence of these new directives can be viewed as revolutionary – but also very necessary. It’s been shown over and over that companies do not provide satisfactory levels of system security without regulations that have teeth.
Predictions and Recommendations
Some organizations in the critical infrastructure have been practicing security that goes beyond the recommended requirements, and they started on this path prior to the new directives. Some because it was economical to do the same monitoring in Gas/SCADA and Water/Wastewater that they do in their NERC/CIP environments, others because the costs of around insuring against breaches is starting to have an effect. Many of the attacks of recent years, such as ransomware, and intellectual property theft are not going away, as they are too profitable for criminals to resist and becoming too costly for utilities to ignore.
The best recommendation is to start with asset tracking. Only after an accurate accounting of an organization’s assets can other steps be taken to protect any sector, including vulnerability assessment, network segmentation, change management, and log management. Most important with all of these is the configuration measurement and change detection. You can’t tell if something has changed without an accurate starting measurement (a baseline).
If your organization is newly examining the guidance and framework that works best, there are many to choose from, including those offered by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, (NIST 800-53), the Center for Internet Security (CIS Controls), and the International ElectroTechnical Commission (IEC 62443). Perhaps you may want to jump directly into NERC CIP to evaluate if that is the most appropriate course of action. Each framework is subtly different, but all follow the above basic control. Either way, there are enough resources to get started down the right path. Likewise, don’t hesitate. Even if you begin down the path of a certain framework and regulations change causing you to have to follow a different framework, many of the principles and the same and you can quickly pivot and continue down your cybersecurity journey.
It is understandable that these are big decisions to consider, but when we reflect upon how all industries have transitioned from an air-gapped or even non-IP environment, to a connected environment, it becomes clear that action must be taken.
Of course, Tripwire has tools that can help you achieve better security. Products, such as Tripwire Enterprise (TE) for file integrity monitoring (FIM) and configuration management (SCM) of your IT devices. On top of these critical controls, TE contains a vast policy library, including all those discussed above, to detect, measure, report and remediate policy violations. Specific, and critical to NERC CIP compliance, allowlisting is managed through Tripwire State Analyzer in tandem with TE. Vulnerability Management (VM) is provided by IP360 and all can be offered as a managed service through Tripwire’s Expert Operations (ExOps). For OT, or in the ICS environment, Tripwire has two OT passive asset discovery, inventory and vulnerability tools (Tripwire Industrial Visibility (TIV) and Sentinel (TIS)). Additionally, Log Management (LM) is provided via the integrated Tripwire Log Center product and a managed service is also available for TIV.
What makes Tripwire unique in protecting critical infrastructure is that the solutions can protect both IT and OT assets. Typically, asset management, change detection and cybersecurity policy enforcement occur separately between IT and OT. Through our numerous integrations, you have the ability to manage both from TE.
The industry is abuzz with “closing the gap between IT and OT”. Tripwire is already there and the gap is closed.
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WSYR
By Erik Columbia
(WSYR-TV) — Those interested in working for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at Syracuse Hancock International Airport can attend a series of job fairs in June and July.
Both full and part-time positions are available with a starting wage of $18.59 an hour. Signing bonuses and retention incentives are available as well, with new hires who become TSA officers by the end of September receiving $2,000 and new hires getting $1,000 upon starting — and $1,000 after a year of employment.
TSA will be participating in several upcoming job fairs in June and July as follows:
- A Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Virtual Job Fair on June 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- A New York State Department of Labor Virtual Job Fair on June 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- A job fair at Syracuse Hancock International Airport on July 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the airline check-in level to the left of the escalators.
There is no experience in security necessary and training will be provided.
To view open positions for TSA officers around the country, visit https://jobs.tsa.gov/transport-security-officer.
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Law 360
By Caleb Drickey
The head of the Federal Air Marshal Service's Philadelphia office is tampering with performance reviews and pressuring workers to put off necessary medical care in an illegal attempt to harass and suppress his unionized workforce, the Air Marshal Association alleged Wednesday.
In its complaint, the union accused supervisory air marshal in charge Richard Altomare, the Transportation Security Administration and the Department of Homeland Security of conspiring to harass unionized employees and crush workers' speech rights.
"As a direct and proximate result of the defendants' unlawful union busting," the union said, "the plaintiff and its members were caused to suffer loss of employment, economic harm and other monetary damages … and have been chilled in their exercise of rights to freedom of speech."
According to the union, the TSA and its subordinate Federal Air Marshal Service have a woeful history of illegal and anti-labor conduct. However, the AMA alleges that Altomare embarked on a particularly "despicable and targeted" pattern of harassment and intimidation of unionized employees immediately after his 2021 appointment to chief marshal of the Philadelphia office.
In October of that year, Altomare implemented a policy of pressuring marshals, including one seeking cancer treatment, to forgo using sick leave or other forms of paid time off for medical appointments, and ignored the union's protestations that this request was improper.
The union also alleges that Altomare illegally "shaved" marshals' performance evaluations, especially those of AMA members, to keep them from receiving raises, bonuses or promotions that they would have otherwise earned.
Altomare also allegedly targeted marshals, especially members of the AMA who spoke out against those policies, for additional harassment. According to the union, members who spoke out were "selectively" targeted for misconduct reports and were subjected to unspecified threats that led to multiple resignations.
That alleged behavior, the union said, represented violations of the union's and its members' First Amendment right to free speech and association. The internal policies of the TSA and the Federal Air Marshal Service were "issues of concern to the public," and marshals were within their rights to criticize them.
The alleged harassment and attempted intimidation of the AMA and its members also represented illegal interference between a union and its members, and unfair labor practices under the U.S. Code and the Public Employee Relations Act.
"The defendants knowingly engaged in conduct intended to disrupt and damage the activities and relationship between the plaintiff and its membership," the union said.
The union alleged in its complaint that while Altomare was the marshal in charge of the Philadelphia office, he did not act alone. Rather, the union alleges that in failing to rein in or even admonish him for his alleged misconduct, the DHS and TSA "implicitly ratified and encouraged" Altomare to continue his alleged union busting, and were parties to an anti-labor conspiracy.
The union demands an order immediately restraining Altomare, the TSA and DHS from intimidating or otherwise retaliating against AMA members and a finding that the agencies conspired to damage the AMA's reputation and standing.
Mario Bordogna, counsel for the union, characterized Wednesday's complaint as a necessary step toward ameliorating what it characterizes as long-ignored concerns about unlawful employment practices.
"By initiating [this lawsuit], the AMA hopes that it finally provides a better path for the air marshals to continue their … service in a work environment free from unlawful employment practices and other related abuses of authority," Bordogna said.
Representatives for the defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment Wednesday.
The union is represented by Mario Bordogna of Clark Hill PLC.
Counsel information for the federal agencies was not immediately available.
The case is Air Marshal Association v. Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security et al., case number 2:22-cv-02254, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
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WGRZ
By Staff
BUFFALO, N.Y. — On your next trip through the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, you might spot some changes when checking your bag. Eight state-of-the-art 3D imaging scanners have been installed at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint.
According to the TSA, the new scanners will provide "critical explosives detection capabilities for screening carry-on items."
The new technology allows TSA officers to create a 3D image of the bag that can be checked digitally. One of the benefits of the new system is that it can automatically detect explosives, including liquids.
"TSA remains committed to getting the best technology to enhance security and improve the screening experience. Our officers’ use of CT technology substantially improves our threat detection capability at the checkpoint," said Bart R. Johnson, TSA’s federal security director for Upstate New York. "Previously, our screening technology for carry-on bags used 2D images. The CT technology applies advanced algorithms for the detection of explosives, including liquid explosives and other threat items."
The TSA says the scanners should result in fewer manual bag checks; however, larger carry-on items will not fit in the machine, so travelers may need to check those bags with the airline. The TSA also notes that any passengers using these new machines will be allowed to leave their electronic devices in their bag.
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CNY Business Journal
By Eric Reinhardt
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is using new technology for explosives-detection capabilities for screening carry-on items at Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
The five newly installed, advanced technology computed tomography (CT) scanners provide 3D imaging at the Syracuse airport’s TSA checkpoint.
“TSA remains committed to getting the best technology to enhance security and improve the screening experience. Our officers’ use of CT technology substantially improves our threat detection capability at the checkpoint,” Bart Johnson, TSA’s federal security director for upstate New York, said in a release. “Previously, our screening technology for carry-on bags used 2D images. The CT technology applies advanced algorithms for the detection of explosives, including liquid explosives and other threat items.”
The system applies sophisticated algorithms for the detection of explosives by creating a 3D image that a transportation security officer can view and rotate 360 degrees on three axes for “thorough visual image analysis,” TSA said.
This new technology creates such a clear image of a bag’s contents that the system can automatically detect explosives, including liquids. The scanners shoot hundreds of images with an X-ray camera spinning around the conveyor belt to provide TSA officers with the three-dimensional views of the contents of a carry-on bag.
The TSA says it takes a few extra seconds for the officer to view the image and rotate it to get a better understanding of its contents. In most instances, rotating the image allows the TSA officer to identify an item inside the bag and clear it without a need to open it for inspection.
Checkpoint CT technology should result in fewer bag checks, the TSA contends. However, if a bag requires further screening, an officer will inspect it to ensure that a threat item is not contained inside, it added.
The CT units have a slightly smaller entry tunnel and not all larger carry-on bags will fit into the units. TSA recommends that travelers check large carry-on items with the airline.
Passengers using these machines at the Syracuse airport will be permitted to leave their laptops and other electronic devices in their carry-on bags, TSA said.
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WSET
By Jacob Hunziker
LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — The number of people ready to fly again is climbing back to pre-pandemic levels.
According to TSA data, just over two million people were flying on Tuesday, June 7.
Before the pandemic on that same day in 2019, that number was just over 2.4 million people.
TSA says its goal is to make the security checkpoints run smoothly for people when they travel.
To do that, they need your help as you pack up.
These are all items that were confiscated by the TSA. Shampoos, sunscreens, hairspray, alcohol, shaving cream and more. (Credit: Jacob Hunziker, WSET)
The TSA said the most common prohibited items that travelers bring to checkpoints are:
Liquids
Gels
Aerosols
They said most of the items people try to pack in carryons are too big.
The limit for those kinds of items is 3.4 ounces.
Lisa Farbstein is a spokesperson for TSA.
Her message for what won't be approved:
"If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, and it's more than 3.4oz, it should go into your check bag," she said.
Farbstein said if you have any doubt about whether you can bring something or not, there's an app for that.
You can use the "What Can I Bring" feature on the MyTSA app.
The app allows you to type in an item and it'll let you know if you can bring it or not.
Farbstein also said a good rule of thumb is to arrive early.
Even at small airports, like Lynchburg Regional, Farbstein suggests you give yourself 90 minutes of extra time to get through security to make your flight.
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KFSM
By Jose Carranza
HIGHFILL, Ark. — Air travel officials are reminding flyers of the rules of the sky ahead of the busy summer travel season.
According to TSA Spokesperson Patricia Mancha, air travel in Arkansas is back to about 100% of pre-pandemic numbers. With more travel, TSA is hoping to shorten wait times by reminding flyers about the carry-on luggage rules.
"Be prepared for lines at airports a little bit of a wait time at the checkpoint," Mancha said. "We really want to emphasize that it's important for each traveler to be organized and arrive early."
Mancha suggested travelers empty out their luggage before packing, and keep items organized for an easier search while at the TSA checkpoint. Mancha also reminds people of the 311 rule as the number one item confiscated by TSA officers turns out to be water.
You can find that rule here.
At XNA, Public Affairs Manager Alex English also added that through the first months of 2022, they've seen a rise in travelers.
“The past six months or so since January we have seen increases in travel month to month," English said. "We definitely expect more travelers in the summer and we’re looking forward to that."
English does warn to book flights further ahead of time, as a pilot shortage is affecting airlines across the nation. It's limiting the number of flights out of airports and also limits how many passengers fly on each plane.
As gas prices rise to record-breaking numbers in 2022, some travelers are beginning to consider other options for long-distance travel.
“Gas plays a large factor large role in my decision on whether or not to fly want to drive," said traveler Joshua Upshaw. "Particularly now that it’s four dollars a gallon.”
If you have any questions about what you can bring on your travels, Mancha suggests you visit AskTSA on its Facebook and Twitter. They'll answer any questions 8 a.m-6 p.m. ET.
Similarly Reported:
4029 TV
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St. George News
By Cody Blowers
ST. GEORGE — Instead of boarding his flight, a Georgia man was booked into jail after Transportation Security Administration officers discovered the identification the suspect was using during pre-flight screening was fake.
On Wednesday, officers responded to the St. George Regional Airport on a report that a passenger was attempting to board a plane using a fake ID card shortly after 8 p.m.
According to charging documents filed with the court, St. George Police officers arrived to learn from one of the TSA officers that a suspect, later identified as 20-year-0ld Henry Davis Delisle, of Decatur, Georgia, presented a fraudulent ID card to airport security prior to boarding a flight to Salt Lake City.
The suspect reportedly handed the transportation officer a driver’s license issued out of Georgia, the report states, and it failed to pass the screening process. While speaking to the suspect, the TSA officer noticed a second driver’s license in the suspect’s wallet that displayed the suspect’s name but with a different date of birth.
While speaking to officers, Delisle said he purchased the fraudulent driver’s license while living in Georgia several years ago, adding he used the fake ID to purchase alcohol. He went on to explain that he had forgotten the ID card was in his wallet, he said, until it was brought up by the TSA officer when he handed over the wrong card during the pre-flight screening process.
The suspect was arrested and transported to Purgatory Correctional Facility where he was booked into jail and the following day was charged with one second-degree felony count of producing or transferring any false identification document.
Delisle made an initial appearance on Thursday and is scheduled to be back in court on June 16. He remains in custody.
This report is based on statements from court records, police or other responders and may not contain the full scope of findings. Persons arrested or charged are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law or as otherwise decided by a trier-of-fact.
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Washington County Insider
By Karyn Roelke
Washington County, WI – There are 13 veterans from Washington County on the June 19, 2022, Stars & Stripes Honor Flight.
Stars and Stripes Honor Flight’s 63rd mission” will take off Saturday, June 18 when 130 local WWII, Korean War, and Vietnam War veterans depart for the nation’s capital.
Two Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 aircraft will leave Milwaukee’s Mitchell International Airport at approximately 6 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on flight day, bound for Washington Dulles International Airport.
On that day, the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight will welcome 3 WWII veterans, 8 Korean War veterans, and 119 veterans of the Vietnam War. Veterans taking their Stars and Stripes Honor Flight on June 18 include three brothers who all served during the Vietnam War, three WWII Navy veterans in their mid-nineties, and a Korean War veteran who served in the 82nd Airborne.
After the planes land at Dulles Airport on flight day, the veterans will board coach buses to tour Washington DC’s WWII Memorial, the Korean War Memorial, the Air Force Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall, and more. The day will also include viewing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
Veterans’ families and friends are encouraged to attend the Homecoming parades at Mitchell Airport that evening, and the two planes are scheduled to land at 8:05 p.m. (alpha) and 9:30 p.m. (bravo).
If a federal TSA mandate dictates that masks are required inside Mitchell Airport, all are asked to follow this directive if they are planning to attend the Homecoming. The University of Wisconsin Alumni Band and the Arrowhead High School Hawkettes Dance Team will provide spirit for the Homecoming festivities.
Prior to the June 18 flight, Stars and Stripes Honor Flight has flown 8,273 local veterans on these trips to Washington DC since 2008 and has honored more than 50 veterans locally who were not able to fly. As an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff and no offices, the organization is proud to share that $.97 of every donated dollar goes directly to flying and honoring veterans.
Honor Flight is a national program with more than 130 hubs from coast to coast. The WWII Memorial did not open until 2004, and many of our oldest veterans are unable to visit Washington DC without assistance. Nationally, hubs in the Honor Flight network have taken more than 250,000 veterans to see their memorials.
Timeline of activities for the Saturday, June 18 Stars and Stripes Honor Flight:
- 5:00 a.m. – Veterans and their guardians begin check-in on Mitchell Airport’s main concourse
- 5:50 a.m. – National Anthem by Milwaukee Bucks’ vocalist Ben Tajnai
- 6:30 a.m. – “Alpha” flight departs for Dulles Airport; water cannon salute on runway (weather permitting)
- 7:30 a.m. – “Bravo” flight departs for Dulles Airport; water cannon salute on runway (weather permitting)
- 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (ET) – Flights arrive at Dulles Airport, load buses for DC tour
- 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (ET) – Return to Dulles Airport, load planes for departure back to MKE
- 8:05 p.m. (CT, approximate) and 9:30 pm (CT, approximate) – Return flights land at Mitchell Int’l Airport, veterans deplane for parade through the airport’s main concourse. The University of Wisconsin Alumni Band and the Arrowhead High School Hawkettes will provide spirit and entertainment for the Homecoming parades. Masks will be required for everyone in attendance if a federal mandate is in effect.
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WCAX
By Katharine Huntley
BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) - The Burlington International Airport is making major upgrades intended to reduce delays and get travelers through security faster.
It might not look like it now, but behind barrier walls at the airport, there are nearly $20 million of improvements officials hope will streamline the process for people who use the airport.
“As long as there are enough security checks to get things moving, then I appreciate that,” said Anjie Bertramson, visiting from Washington state.
“We’re always worried about getting there on time. However, we did get there at 4 o’clock this morning so that we did get to the airport on time,” said Maggie Newmann from Colorado.
“The whole point is to alleviate some of the stresses of travel which consist of the time you wait in a line or just the general feel of the building,” said Nic Longo, the airport’s interim director.
One sneak preview we got was of the new TSA checkpoint with five lanes. It will replace two checkpoints currently located on opposite sides of the airport, something passengers say will be beneficial.
“That’s the line that you really don’t know about and that’s the one that can really hold you up. And you don’t have a ticketing counter person in front of you at that point of time to say, ‘Hey, I’m trying to get there.’ So, definitely getting through TSA and knowing there is going to be a consolidated effort to get us through faster is going to be a huge bonus for travelers,” said Dana Lawson from Washington.
Longo says as the pandemic wears on, air travel is starting to return in force. In the last 10 years, 2019 saw the highest number of passengers traveling through the airport -- 700,000 outbound customers. This year, they are on pace to reach that number again. “The leisure travel -- that’s what’s really going on out there. I’ve seen more families flying out of BTV than we’re used to and that’s fantastic,” Longo said.
Other improvements are a new plane taxiway and an expanded apron, which will allow more planes to overnight at the airport so they don’t have to fly in for early-morning flights, which will cut down on delays.
The projects are expected to be wrapped up by early fall.
Meanwhile, Longo says staffing remains a big challenge and that the TSA and all airlines are looking for workers.
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KGMB-HON (CBS) - Honolulu, HI
The Garden Island obtained documents through a "Freedom of Information Act." They show Stan Olsen blamed a quote "brain fart," for leaving his KPD-issued handgun in his carry-on backpack back in April. TSA found it at the security checkpoint at the Lihue Airport. When the TSA agent asked if Olsen had a gun, he reportedly said "no." the gun was confiscated. Olsen was let off with a verbal warning and allowed to board his flight to Las Vegas. The TSA can still issue a fine. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]
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KNWA (NBC) - Fort Smith, AR
TSA officials say air travel numbers have gotten back to prepandemic levels. that means more crowded terminals, a longer lines at security and check-in. that's why TSA did a demonstration on some tips and tricks for streamlining that whole process. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]
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News 1110/99.3 WBT - Charlotte, NC
Now going to be flying out of Charlotte Douglas this weekend, get to the airport early. It's the week of summer for many families in the airport is expecting a lot more people again is maybe today through Monday. This morning, TSA advises being inside the airport. At least two hours before domestic by in 3 hours before an International flight to check-in incomplete security screening. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]
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KNSS Radio - Wichita, KS
Reviewing what happened on Monday in which a passenger with a gun in this carry-on made it through security screening at Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson International Airport. a review of x-ray images after the passenger proceeded on the gates showed the image of the firearm TSA agents trying to locate the passenger but never found him standing procedure is to take the passenger aside searches belongings and involve police of a firearm is found. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]
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KFI AM - Los Angeles, CA
The OC sheriff's bomb squad is detonated 60 pounds of dangerous materials including expired explosives used to train TSA dogs. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]
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WKBW-BUF (ABC) - Buffalo, NY
Development this afternoon, Buffalo, Niagara Airport TSA is upgrading its security equipment to make your next trip safer. the airport now has 8 new c t scanners. this will provide security agents with 3 d imaging of carryon items and detect any explosives inside. the TSA says, well, it will take now officers an extra few seconds to inspect the 3 d images. [Editorial note: consult video at source link]
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