With the unease of September 11, 2012 still fresh in peoples’ minds, security concerns have become a major source of worry for people today. As a result, the U.S. government and private security companies have become more advanced and are utilizing hi-tech solutions to security problems.
From basic home security, all the way to national security, the technology tasked with keeping people safe has become better.
Table of Contents
Home Security
Smart Homes
With all the advances in wireless technologies, security companies have realized the power and ease of home automation. Today’s home owners no longer have to put holes in their walls or run cable to a central unit to have an alarm system.
Now, automated home systems can be controlled remotely by hand held controller, or even smart phones. Automated alarm systems have advanced further to allow a person to do everything from arming their alarm and turning on the lights, to setting the thermostat and shutting the blinds. More advanced services can even lock a home’s door via remote.
Remote Video
Wireless technology has allowed the old relic in home security, the surveillance camera, to be given new life. Now video cameras can be placed in areas of the home, without screws and wires, and be linked wirelessly to the owner’s smart phone or computer.
Some surveillance systems offer third party security monitoring where security personnel can watch the feed coming from an owner’s home, and then dispatch security officers if a disturbance is detected.
National Security
Land/ Border Security
The U.S. Border patrol has begun testing large blimp shaped balloons, called aerostats, to track illegal immigrants and drug smugglers in the American Southwest. These remotely piloted balloons can stay afloat for over a week, and were previously used with great success in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Aerostats use high tech cameras and infrared technology to observe large swaths of land and are cheaper to use than fixed wing aircraft.
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Agency has begun testing the efficiency of lie detecting “kiosks” at Arizona border crossings. The technology, called Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments (AVATAR), subjects people to an interview where microphones, infrared cameras, and high definition cameras monitor peoples’ voice and facial expressions. These cues will be used to catch someone lying, the agency feels.
Sea Port Security
Port authorities across the nation have instituted the use of Gamma Ray emitters because of their ability to see through approximately five inches of metal to find contraband. Gamma Rays are more penetrating than the old X- Ray devices used in years past, and can see in greater detail.
Used at extremely low and non harming levels, Gamma Ray emitters can see into shipping containers and find false compartments, stolen cars, weapons, drugs, or people. Gamma Rays have proven effective in even detecting the biggest security concern, stolen nuclear material that could be used to make dirty bombs or weapons.
From a production standpoint, port personnel are even finding they can use Gamma Rays to verify shipping manifests and ensure the container’s contents match its paperwork.
Sidra, a well known writer is known for writing articles on security issues. Visit the website IdentityTheft.net/blog for better knowledge.