Plenary Session 3: The Homeland Enterprise Now and the Way Ahead

Cyberspace has gone from buzzword to full operational domain since the founding of DHS. CISA embodies the purest nature of homeland security – partnership across multiple sectors and echelons. As threats in cyberspace increase in prominence and sophistication, is the current partnership arrangement correct? Does the federal government need to assert more regulatory authority? Or should we take a more laissez-faire approach? How can we forecast the next threat and mitigate risks now?

Terrorist attacks prompted by the Taliban resurgence are a rising threat. Violent extremists in Afghanistan (ISIS-K, Al Qaeda, Haqqani Network) could be emboldened to attack regionally given the absence of United States and Afghan security forces in the country. Meanwhile, terrorists and affiliates across the world - including individuals in America - may strike given the inspirational revival of a like-minded militant group and the appearance of a wounded United States.

Founded as a direct result of the attacks on 9/11, The Department of Homeland Security has undergone changes and added several missions to its original mandate. How is the federal government’s third largest department gearing up for the challenges out country faces now and in the foreseeable future?