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by Paul Kerstein

A Tough Road Ahead for Homeland Security

News
Jul 18, 20051 min
CSO and CISOData and Information Security

According to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, the nation’s antiterrorism efforts must be based on assessments of risk, not onformulas that sprinkle dollars around and not on reaction to bombingselsewhere. The New York Timesreports that not everyone liked what he had to say about how to investa finite amount of resources for optimal readiness. While he does agreethat an overhaul is needed, Chertoff is hard-pressed to keep up withthe fast pace of terrorist activity. Furthermore, members of Congressand security experts disagree on whether he has what it takes torevamp the department. Some point to his lack of political experienceas a major weakness that could prevent him from winning over Congress.However, he takes a very different management approach from hispredecessor, Tom Ridge, as he is quick to find the crux of importantmatters and resolve conflict to settle on a plan of action. Despite taking the Department of Homeland Securitysensibly forward, he has a tough task ahead of him. Read more.