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  1. Science and Technology
  2. News & Events
  3. S&T Impact Series
  4. S&T Impact: Cybersecurity

S&T Impact: Cybersecurity

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) helps improve cybersecurity capabilities through strategic research and development (R&D) in the areas of mitigation, solution development, and resilience. In line with the DHS Cybersecurity Strategy, S&T brings together leading innovators in academia, industry and government to identify new tools and tactics that can help network owners and operators overcome emerging cyber-threats. Watch the video and read below to learn more about the technologies and capabilities we deliver to keep our networks, devices, and cyber infrastructure safe!

Resilience

A night view of a city. S&T strengthens security on the Internet of Things (IoT)

  • The Cyber Physical Systems Security (CPSSEC) project addresses security concerns to protect IoT-connected systems in automobiles, medical devices and building controls.
  • The Smart Cities project oversees the Global City Teams Challenge with the National Institute of Standards and Technology to improve cybersecurity for smart city systems.

     

A hand holding a smart phone. S&T protects mobile devices from evolving cyber threats

  • The Mobile Application Security project helps incorporate security-by-design to mobile app security tools that assist developers, analysts and security and network operators.
  • The Mobile Device Security project promotes safe and secure adoption of mobile technology within DHS and across the federal government.
     


A digital pad lock S&T helps secure networks from cyber-attacks

  • The Distributed Denial of Service Defense project deploys best practices that can help slow attack scale growth and defend emergency management telephony systems.
  • The Federated Security project brings together voluntary teams of organizations to share information and resources that can strengthen their cybersecurity capabilities.

 

Solution Development

A law enforcement officer using a laptop computer. S&T makes it easier for law enforcement to investigate cyber crimes

  • The Anonymous Networks and Currencies project develops new cost-effective solutions to help law enforcement agencies investigate criminal activity taking place on anonymous networks and with cryptocurrencies.
  • The Cybersecurity Forensics project develops tools and techniques law enforcement can use to investigate criminal and terrorist activity on mobile devices, GPS units, and more.

A man looking at a big screen monitor. S&T promotes cutting-edge cyber research

Mitigation

Nuclear power plant and power lines S&T keeps critical infrastructure up and running

Binary code S&T strengthens software starting in the development phase

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S&T is the primary research and development arm for DHS’s operational components and the nation’s first responders. S&T helps improve the safety and effectiveness of homeland security professionals by developing innovative solutions with public and private sector partners. Our approach involves:

1. Identifying Needs by discussing operational challenges with DHS Components and first responders; 2. Developing Prototypes or leveraging existing technologies to quickly find solutions; 3. Testing and Evaluating potential solutions to ensure they meet end-user needs; 4. Deploying Solutions to the field within a short timeframe.

S&T relies on partnerships with industry, academia, and technology developers to continue providing next-generation solutions that improve responder safety and effectiveness. If you’re interested in helping strengthen the nation’s homeland security, visit our Work with S&T page to discover the many ways to work with S&T. Then, check out the rest of our website and follow S&T on Facebook, InstagramX, YouTube and LinkedIn for the latest updates on our work. Download a printable version of this page now.

Last Updated: 06/11/2024
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