Homeland Security is defined as a concentrated national effort to stop terrorist attacks from
happening inside the US, lessen the country's susceptibility to terrorism, and lessen the damage
and recover from any attacks that do take place (The Department of Homeland Security: Goals
and Challenges | NTI, 2018). The six focal points that make up the Department of Homeland
Security are: (1) Intelligence and Warning; (2) Border and Transportation Security; (3) Domestic
Counterterrorism; (4) Protecting Critical Infrastructure and Key Assets; (5) Defending Against
Catastrophic Threats; and (6) Emergency Preparedness and Response (The Department of
Homeland Security: Goals and Challenges | NTI, 2018). DHS established four directorates:
Border and Transportation Security, Emergency Preparedness and Response, Science and
Technology in Support of Homeland Security, and Information Analysis and Infrastructure
Protection to complement these main points (The Department of Homeland Security: Goals and
Challenges | NTI, 2018). 22 agencies are housed by DHS, which is broken up into 4 directorates.
The DHS was created to enhance coordination and decrease duplication among the organizations
tasked with safeguarding the American homeland (The Department of Homeland Security: Goals
and Challenges | NTI, 2018). Daily challenges and a wide range of responsibilities are faced by
Homeland Security. Critical infrastructure and election security, in my opinion, are two urgent
issues relating to homeland security. As the risk of physical and cyber assaults against vital
infrastructure has increased daily, we are now needed to develop a comprehensive strategy for
dealing with the cyber-physical threat scenario. The ransomware assaults that have affected local
governments over the years have increased, according to Luke McCormack, a former chief
information officer for the Department of Homeland Security, since "success fosters greater
action" from hackers (Homeland Security Experts on the Biggest Threats and Challenges the
U.S. Faces in 2020 - HS Today, 2020). The levels of defense aren't as well-fortified as they are in
some of these other situations, but it has proven profitable for a variety of reasons. “McCormack
also warned about the potential harm to critical infrastructure from cyber intrusions and
disinformation campaigns, including election security and even malicious campaigns to get
officials to turn off critical systems based on a reaction to disinformation (Homeland Security
Experts on the Biggest Threats and Challenges the U.S. Faces in 2020 - HS Today, 2020).
Paying more attention to the soft targets, such as school, sports and entertainment
venues, and faith communities are a must in the effort to strengthen the security and resilience of
nation’s critical infrastructure and protect America’s citizens (Homeland Security Experts on the
Biggest Threats and Challenges the U.S. Faces in 2020 - HS Today, 2020). Also, enhancing
security measures during elections are another essential. Working with other states and nations
around engages us to be able to share vital information on threats and mitigation tactics with one
another especially during election cycles (Homeland Security Experts on the Biggest Threats and
Challenges the U.S. Faces in 2020 - HS Today, 2020). The solution to this pressing issue is
maintaining strict access controls and provide least privilege access to ensure your most valuable
assets are protected, limit potential data breaches and prevent insecure devices or software from
giving hackers access to company’s crown jewels (How to Protect Critical Infrastructure from
Cyber Attack, 2022). Another way in preventing cyber-attacks is switching up the default login
credentials on a regular basis and keeping employees informed of the latest cyber threats and
vulnerabilities and have regular training sessions on the best cybersecurity practices and protocol
(How to Protect Critical Infrastructure from Cyber Attack, 2022). As far as Election Security, I
would say beefing up election security and coming up with a more thought-out plan in handling
issues if it was to go wrong. After taking this course, what changed my mind was about what
exactly is homeland security responsible for. I always looked at homeland security just securing
the borders but didn’t look at it from a whole perspective and that being is minimizing all attacks
that the nation faces and keeping us safe as whole. The most important thing I have learned in
this class is the make-up of Homeland Security. DHS consists of 6 focal points, and houses 22
agencies and divided of 4 directorates. Psalm 91:1-12 states “He who dwells in the shelter of the
Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my
fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from
the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find
refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the
arrow that flies by day, ...” (What Does the Bible Say about Security?, n.d.).
References
Department of Homeland Security. (2018, September 21). Plan and prepare for disasters.
Department of Homeland Security. https://www.dhs.gov/plan-and-prepare-disasters
Homeland Security Experts on the Biggest Threats and Challenges the U.S. Faces in 2020 - HS
Today. (2020, January 29). Brian Harrell Luke McCormack.
https://www.hstoday.us/subject-matter-areas/border-security/homeland-security-experts-
on-the-biggest-threats-and-challenges-the-u-s-faces-in-2020/
What Does the Bible Say About Security? (n.d.). Www.openbible.info. Retrieved December 15,
2022, from https://www.openbible.info/topics/security
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