On April 29, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) marked the 180-day mark of President Biden’s Executive Order (EO) 14110, “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)” by unveiling new resources to address threats posed by AI: (1) guidelines to mitigate AI risks to critical infrastructure and (2) a report on AI misuse in the development and production of chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN).

These resources build upon the Department’s broader efforts to protect the nations’ critical infrastructure and help stakeholders leverage AI, which include the recent establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board. This new Board, announced last week, assembles technology and critical infrastructure executives, civil rights leaders, academics, state and local government leaders, and policymakers to advance responsible development and deployment of AI.

“AI can present transformative solutions for U.S. critical infrastructure, and it also carries the risk of making those systems vulnerable in new ways to critical failures, physical attacks, and cyber attacks. Our Department is taking steps to identify and mitigate those threats,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “When President Biden tasked DHS as a leader in the safe, secure, and reliable development of AI, our Department accelerated our previous efforts to lead on AI. In the 180 days since the Biden-Harris Administration’s landmark EO on AI, DHS has established a new AI Corps, developed AI pilot programs across the Department, unveiled an AI roadmap detailing DHS’s current use of AI and its plans for the future, and much more. DHS is more committed than ever to advancing the responsible use of AI for homeland security missions and promoting nationwide AI safety and security, building on the unprecedented progress made by this Administration. We will continue embracing AI’s potential while guarding against its harms.”

Guidelines to Mitigate AI Risks to Critical Infrastructure

DHS, in coordination with its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), released new safety and security guidelines to address cross-sector AI risks impacting the safety and security of U.S. critical infrastructure systems. The guidelines organize its analysis around three overarching categories of system-level risk:

• Attacks Using AI: The use of AI to enhance, plan, or scale physical attacks on, or cyber compromises of, critical infrastructure.
• Attacks Targeting AI Systems: Targeted attacks on AI systems supporting critical infrastructure.
• Failures in AI Design and Implementation: Deficiencies or inadequacies in the planning, structure, implementation, or execution of an AI tool or system leading to malfunctions or other unintended consequences that affect critical infrastructure operations.

“CISA was pleased to lead the development of ‘Mitigating AI Risk: Safety and Security Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators on behalf of DHS,” said CISA Director Jen Easterly. “Based on CISA’s expertise as National Coordinator for critical infrastructure security and resilience, DHS’ Guidelines are the agency’s first-of-its-kind cross-sector analysis of AI-specific risks to critical infrastructure sectors and will serve as a key tool to help owners and operators mitigate AI risk."

To address these risks, DHS outlines a four-part mitigation strategy, building upon the National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework (RMF), that critical infrastructure owners and users can consider when approaching contextual and unique AI risk situations:

• Govern: Establish an organizational culture of AI risk management - Prioritize and take ownership of safety and security outcomes, embrace radical transparency, and build organizational structures that make security a top business priority.
• Map: Understand your individual AI use context and risk profile - Establish and understand the foundational context from which AI risks can be evaluated and mitigated.
• Measure: Develop systems to assess, analyze, and track AI risks - Identify repeatable methods and metrics for measuring and monitoring AI risks and impacts.
• Manage: Prioritize and act upon AI risks to safety and security - Implement and maintain identified risk management controls to maximize the benefits of AI systems while decreasing the likelihood of harmful safety and security impacts.

Countering Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Threats

The Department worked with its Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office (CWMD) to analyze the risk of AI being misused to assist in the development or production of CBRN threats, and analyze and provide recommended steps to mitigate potential threats to the homeland. This report, developed through extensive collaboration across the United States Government, academia, and industry, furthers long-term objectives around how to ensure the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of artificial intelligence, and guides potential interagency follow-on policy and implementation efforts.

“The responsible use of AI holds great promise for advancing science, solving urgent and future challenges, and improving our national security, but AI also requires that we be prepared to rapidly mitigate the misuse of AI in the development of chemical and biological threats,” said Assistant Secretary for CWMD Mary Ellen Callahan. “This report highlights the emerging nature of AI technologies, their interplay with chemical and biological research and the associated risks, and provides longer-term objectives around how to ensure safe, secure, and trustworthy development and use of AI. I am incredibly proud of our team at CMWD for this vital work which builds upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s forward-leaning Executive Order.”

A Department-Wide Effort to Address AI Risks and Opportunities

In the 180 days since President Biden issued his landmark EO on AI, Secretary Mayorkas has led a sustained effort to expand DHS’s leadership on AI and made progress on a number of initiatives geared towards protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safe implementation of AI technology. Most recently, the Secretary established the Artificial Intelligence Safety and Security Board (AISSB) to advise DHS, the critical infrastructure community, private sector stakeholders, and the broader public on the safe and secure development and deployment of AI in our nation’s critical infrastructure. This diverse range of leaders on the Board will provide recommendations to help critical infrastructure stakeholders more responsibly leverage AI and protect against its dangers.

In March, DHS unveiled a detailed AI roadmap for using AI technologies to deliver meaningful benefits to the American public and advance homeland security while protecting individuals’ privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties. Within the roadmap, the Department announced three innovative pilot projects that deploy AI in specific mission areas, including pilots housed in Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). CISA completed an operational pilot of AI cybersecurity systems to aid in the detection and remediation of vulnerabilities in critical United States Government software, systems, and networks, pursuant to the EO.

In February, DHS launched the DHS AI Corps, an accelerated hiring initiative to better leverage AI responsibly across strategic areas of the homeland security enterprise. DHS immediately saw a strong response and received thousands of applicants interested in AI technology experts looking to further the Department’s AI work across strategic areas of the homeland security enterprise.

To read the DHS safety and security guidelines for critical infrastructure owners and operators, please visit: Safety and Security Guidelines for Critical Infrastructure Owners and Operators.

To read the DHS report on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats, please visit: FACT SHEET: DHS Advances Efforts to Reduce the Risks at the Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) Threats.

To learn more about how DHS uses AI technologies to protect the homeland, visit Artificial Intelligence at DHS.

Pretty big news, as it was announced today that 908 Devices, manufacturer of the HPMS system MX908, has purchased Redwave, who have developed a range of FTIR products like ThreatID. This is going to provide 908 with an additional tier of identification and allow them access to further markets. The official press release is below.    

908 Devices a pioneer of purpose-built handheld and desktop mass spec devices for chemical and biochemical analysis, announces that it has completed the acquisition of privately-held RedWave Technology, a leading provider of portable FTIR spectroscopic analyzers for rapid chemical identification of bulk materials. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared), an optical spectroscopy technology, is highly regarded for its specific substance identification abilities across a broad range of bulk materials.

This acquisition provides 908 Devices with an expanded portfolio of handheld chemical analysis devices for forensic workflows that quickly detect and identify unknown solids, liquids, vapors, and aerosols at the point of need. In addition, RedWave bolsters 908 Devices’ desktop portfolio with a line of accessories for pharma Process Analytical Technology (PAT) and industrial QC applications.

“We’re thrilled to welcome the RedWave team to 908 Devices. Our technology platforms are complementary as our forensics customers rely on both mass spec and FTIR analyzers to rapidly assess and monitor their environment for dangerous trace chemicals and bulk chemical hazards,” said Kevin J. Knopp, CEO and Co-founder, 908 Devices. “RedWave Technology is a high growth and profitable company with innovative products that can immediately leverage our sales channel. RedWave is a strong fit and enables us to accelerate our strategic objectives.”

“RedWave Technology and 908 Devices share an extraordinary passion for innovation and customer care,” said Jon Frattaroli, CEO of RedWave Technology, now VP, Strategy at 908 Devices. “Together, we can accelerate the development of new products and services that provide first responders with best-in-class chemical identification tools that enable them to fulfill their mission of keeping our communities safe.”

Founded in 2016, RedWave has placed more than 700 portable analyzers to customers in more than 20 countries. The company is based in Danbury, Connecticut and employs 39 people. For the full year 2023 unaudited results, RedWave grew revenue 20%+ to $13.7 million, achieved a gross margin of 52% and an operating margin of 15%. RedWave is expected to contribute $11 million to 908 Devices’ 2024 reported revenue, representing eight months of ownership.

Transaction Terms

The purchase consideration includes an initial payment of $53.5 million, consisting of $45.0 million in cash and 1.5 million shares of common stock (representing $8.5 million based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on April 26, 2024, the day immediately preceding the closing of the transaction). The purchase agreement also includes up to an additional four million shares (representing $22.7 million based on the closing price on April 26, 2024) of contingent consideration upon the achievement of certain revenue and qualified product bookings milestones over the next two years.

The landscape of hazardous material threats has evolved, with a concerning rise in aerosolized agents posing significant risks (especially with the rise of Forth generation agents (FGAs) and pharmaceutical base agent (PBAs) threats). Traditional detection methods may fall short against these insidious threats, leaving communities vulnerable.

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Drone strikes against Ukraine’s nuclear reactors highlight risks

Proliferation of nuclear weapons, nuclear terrorism, sabotage, coercion and military operations – these risks associated with nuclear energy can all be expected to grow as countries seek to implement their new nuclear energy objectives, according to a new report published today by George Washington University’s (GWU) Sharon Squassoni.

The aim of 24 countries to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050, announced on the margins of COP-28, was adopted with little thought to the national security implications. The promotion of small modular reactors (SMRs)– specifically tailored to developing countries – will heighten, not diminish risks.

The report by GW professor Sharon Squassoni, “New Nuclear Energy: Assessing the National Security Risks,” comes as drone strikes against Ukrainian nuclear power plants highlight nuclear reactor vulnerabilities. Other national security risks will accompany significant nuclear growth as renewed interest in nuclear energy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions sparks programs across the globe.

Squassoni, a professor at GWU’s Elliott School of International Affairs, now researches risk reduction from nuclear energy and nuclear weapons after serving in the State Department, Arms Control and Disarmament Agency and the Congressional Research Service.

Proliferation and nuclear terrorism are the top two national security risks, but sabotage, coercion and military operations pose other risks. An attempt to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers – a national security risk itself -- using nuclear energy could worsen the risk of proliferation by motivating fuel cycle independence.

SMRs are still in development, with few restrictions on designs. Reactors fueled with highly enriched uranium or plutonium will increase risks of proliferation and terrorism because those materials are weapons-usable. Reactors designed to include lifetime cores will build up plutonium over time. Fast reactor designs that require reprocessing, especially continuous recycling of fuel, could ultimately confer latent nuclear weapons capabilities to many more states. In sum, the kinds of reactors now under consideration do nothing to reduce known risks, and some pose heightened risks. There appears to be no attempt to forge agreement among suppliers or governments to restrict reactor choices that pose greater proliferation risks.

If the mass production of small modular reactors lowers barriers to entry into nuclear energy, there will be many more states deploying nuclear power reactors, including those with significant governance challenges. Russian and Chinese programs to promote nuclear energy target many of those states. Cooperation among key states essential to minimize the safety, security and proliferation risks of nuclear energy is at an all-time low. The call to triple nuclear energy coincides with the disintegration of cooperation, the unraveling of norms and the loss of credibility of international institutions that are crucial to the safe and secure operation of nuclear power.

The report and a streaming version of the news event are available at bit.ly/NewNuclearSecurityReport.

The Elliott School is one of the world’s leading schools of international affairs. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., its mission is to educate the next generation of international leaders, conduct research that advances understanding of important global issues and engage the policy community in the United States and around the world. For more information visit: https://elliott.gwu.edu.

Kromek Group plc, a leading developer of radiation and bio-detection technology solutions for the advanced imaging and CBRN detection segments, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a contract, worth up to $2.9m, from a US federal entity for the provision of nuclear security products.

The contract, which is from an existing customer, covers the provision of the Group’s D5 RIID, D3M and D3S-ID wearable high-performance radiation detectors. The Group has received a $358k order under this contract for immediate delivery, with up to $2.5m to be awarded over the next 24 months.

Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek, said: “We are pleased to have received this new contract, which reflects the strength of our longstanding business relationships and the quality of our nuclear security offering. We are continuing to experience excellent momentum in CBRN Detection as the threats to public security persist across the globe. We believe our products provide best-in-class capability to manage these threats and, consequently, we expect to receive further nuclear security orders in the near term.”

HDT Global (HDT) has announced the award of a $432 million contract to supply the U.S. Army with Rigid Wall Shelters. The program, known as the Army Standard Family of Rigid Wall Shelters Phase 1 (ASF-RWS P1), consists of both expandable and non-expandable rigid wall shelters. This award underscores HDT’s commitment to innovation and excellence in serving the expeditionary needs of our warfighters.

“We’re delighted to be selected by the Army for this important program,” said Kevin McSweeney, HDT Global President and CEO. “HDT is the industry leader in shelter solutions for the DoD and allied partners. HDT is committed to providing needed capabilities to our Warfighters as they face new challenges on the modern battlefield.”

The $432,605,000 hybrid (firm-fixed-price and firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment) contract will yield 60 individual shelter variants. They are constructed to increase operational energy efficiency, maximize commonality, promote sustainability and drive down lifecycle costs. HDT’s rigid wall shelters are optimized for multi-domain operations and will serve as the backbone of the US Army’s modernization, mobilization and protection initiatives.

Blackline Safety Corp.a global leader in connected safety technology, has announced a new deal valued at $1.4 million with a water utility provider based in Australia.

After commissioning a third-party analysis that named Blackline Safety devices the best lone worker solution on the global market, the corporation selected Blackline and their Australian Channel Partner to provide Blackline’s lone worker safety app, Loner Mobile, and G7c cloud-connected devices. The award-winning wearable G7c—with features such as SOS latch, fall and no motion detection, and real-time connectivity—provides a critical lifeline in case of emergency.

This is the latest in a series of deals Blackline Safety has announced with water utility providers in recent years. Blackline Safety devices currently protect half of the water and wastewater companies in the United Kingdom.

“Our devices are particularly well suited to the utility industry, including water and wastewater,” said Blackline Safety Vice President of International Sales, Peter Attalla. “People in these fields are at elevated risk when they go to work."

Utility industry workers face multiple hazards on the job such as gas exposures, confined spaces, potential falls, adverse weather, customer confrontations, and working alone in areas with limited cellular coverage.

“More and more utility companies around the world are opting for Blackline devices because they want the best to protect their people. We’re noticing that utility companies want this protection from a single provider who offers a turnkey solution with no expensive infrastructure or complicated setup—Blackline’s solutions tick all the boxes,” Attalla continued.

The provider also opted for three years of monitoring services by Blackline’s Safety Operations Center (SOC). Blackline Safety’s in-house SOC is available 24/7 and can respond to someone who needs help in seconds.

“Blackline products, combined with our SOC monitoring, set the standard for the safest lone worker solution on the market,” said Heather Melder, Blackline Safety Director, Safety Operations Center. “We’ve raised the bar in ensuring workers are safe while on the job—they’re protected because they’re connected.”

Timilon Corporation is proud to announce that its FAST-ACT® Decontamination Wipes now have the CE registration as a Class I Medical Device for dual-use on both intact skin and surfaces. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the FAST-ACT® product line, further solidifying its commitment to providing safe and effective solutions for first responders (firefighters, EMS, HAZMAT teams), law enforcement agencies, hospitals, industrial workers (chemical, pharmaceutical, manufacturing), laboratories, emergency management agencies, transportation industry (airports, ports, railways), public health agencies, and military personnel across the globe.

FAST-ACT® is a line of proprietary chemical technologies developed by Timilon Corporation to provide rapid and effective dry decontamination solutions for a wide range of chemical threats and toxic industrial chemicals. The FAST-ACT® Decontamination Wipes are:

• CE Registered as a Class I Medical Device for Skin Decontamination, ensuring compliance with the highest safety and efficacy standards
• Rapid and effective at skin and surface decontamination from a wide range of chemical threats
• Non-toxic and gentle formulation suitable for use on all skin types, sensitive equipment and gear
• Convenient and easy-to-use design for quick deployment in emergency situations
• Trusted by military, first responders, and industrial professionals worldwide
• Part of the comprehensive FAST-ACT® product line, offering a complete range of decontamination solutions for various applications.

The FAST-ACT Wipes are the second product in the FAST-ACT® line to obtain this registration, following the conformity of the FAST-ACT® Decontamination Mitts, also for dual-use on skin and surfaces. The CE mark, mandatory across 27 countries in the EU and recognized globally, ensures that the Mitts and Wipes meet the highest standards of safety and efficacy for skin decontamination in emergency situations.

Brian Zollar, CEO of Timilon Corporation, stated, "We are thrilled to receive the CE certification for our FAST-ACT® Decontamination Wipes, further demonstrating our commitment to providing the highest quality dry decontamination solutions for our Customers. This certification underscores the safety and effectiveness of our products and reaffirms our position as a leader in the field of chemical decontamination, containment, and neutralization."

For more information about the FAST-ACT® products and to purchase the newly CE registered FAST-ACT® Wipes, please contact .  For media inquiries, please contact .

Kaléo, a privately-held U.S. pharmaceutical company today announced their selection by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to develop the latest generation pralidoxime chloride auto-injector as a countermeasure against organophosphate or nerve agent poisoning. The full development contract with options totals $27.7 million.

The contract tasks Kaléo with developing a novel pralidoxime chloride (2-PAM) auto-injector for U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval within 3 years, with an ultimate goal of enabling later procurement of the 2-PAM auto-injectors for the CHEMPACK program. Kaléo is a market leader in emergency use auto-injectors with more than 12 million devices manufactured to meet the FDA’s standard of 99.999% device reliability.

“The development of a novel, next generation pralidoxime chloride auto-injector is an exciting opportunity,” said Mark A. Herzog, Kaléo’s vice president of global corporate affairs, defense and homeland security. “While Kaléo has many years of experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense, this will be our first opportunity to work with BARDA to develop a medical countermeasure for the CHEMPACK program.”

The CHEMPACK Program, an initiative of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), is designed to provide a comprehensive capability to communities for the effective use of medical countermeasures in the event of an attack with nerve agents on civilians.

The 2-PAM auto-injector is the third U.S. government medical countermeasure contract awarded to Kaléo in the last five years. Last year, Kaléo was awarded a $39 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to develop the Reconstitution Auto-Injector Device – Atropine (RAD-A), the first of a new generation of medical countermeasures utilizing an innovative reconstitution technology that is expected to significantly extend shelf life, as well as stability under extreme conditions. In 2019, the company was awarded a contract by the DoD to develop the Naloxone Auto-injector 10 mg Rapid Opioid Countermeasure System (ROCS), which was approved by the FDA in 2022 and is currently fielded by U.S. military and NATO countries across the globe.

Milrem Robotics, Europe’s leading robotics and autonomous systems developer, has been awarded a contract to supply the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces with THeMIS unmanned ground vehicles.

The company will supply Japan with three THeMIS UGVs configured for various tasks, including supply transportation and intelligence gathering. The vehicles are equipped with Milrem’s Intelligent Functions Kit (MIFIK), enabling them to execute on- and off-road operations independently. MIFIK allows UGV operators to plan missions using waypoint navigation and set en-route vehicle behaviours.

MIFIK is used strictly for vehicle mobility.

“The goal of the Ground Self-Defense Forces is to fundamentally strengthen its defence capabilities with unmanned assets in order to gain asymmetric superiority while limiting human losses. A task to which UGVs are uniquely qualified,” said Kuldar Väärsi, CEO of Milrem Robotics.

“We are honoured that the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces has selected us to support them in increasing the combat effectiveness of their ground forces through advanced robotics and achieving their capability goals,” he added.

THeMIS UGVs were selected by the Japan Ministry of Defense as a target of the newly introduced Rapid Acquisition Program. Milrem Robotics will provide maximum support for Japan to be equipped as soon as possible.

In addition, THeMIS UGVs were chosen because they utilise cutting-edge technology and have already been adopted in 16 countries, including eight NATO countries: Estonia, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, the UK, and the US. THeMIS UGVs are also assisting Ukrainian soldiers in the war with Russia.

It is expected that THeMIS UGVs will provide new ways to keep more soldiers safe and make operations more efficient for the Japan Self-Defense Forces.

Milrem Robotics is the leading European robotics and autonomous systems developer and systems integrator, with offices in Estonia, Finland, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the US. The company is known for its THeMIS and Multiscope UGVs, the Type-X Robotic Combat Vehicle, and MIFIK.

The final 2024 Canada programme is now available to view. 

We have a great conference line up for you this year, with local, regional and global speakers, as well as two amazing pre-conference workshops. If you haven't had a chance to book yet, head to the website and secure your spot.

We also have a great exhibition space with the latest and best for all of your response needs.

If you have any queries about the event please contact us at  

Originally published by Baltic News Network

Russia accused Ukraine of attacking the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant three times on Sunday, the 7th of April, a claim denied by Kyiv. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which has experts on site, confirmed the attack and raised concerns about the impact on nuclear safety, noting that it was the first direct attack on Europe’s largest nuclear power plant since November 2022, reports Reuters.

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom said Ukraine attacked the plant three times with drones on Sunday, first injuring three people near the canteen, then attacking the cargo area and then reactor 6.

Rosatom described the attacks as unprecedented and a direct threat to the safety of the plant. Despite the incidents, radiation levels in and around the plant are said to have remained unchanged.

Ukrainian intelligence official Andriy Usov, spokesman for the Ukrainian Main Intelligence Directorate HUR, denied that Kyiv was involved in the Zaporizhzhya attacks and suggested that they were carried out by the Russians.

Referring to the Russian forces, he described such strikes as a known criminal practice of the invaders. The Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant in Ukraine contains six Soviet-era VVER-1000 V-320 reactors containing Uranium-235 as well as used nuclear fuel. Reactors 1, 2, 5 and 6 have been stopped in cold shutdown, Reactor 3 has been stopped for repairs and Reactor 4 has been stopped in hot shutdown, the plant status report said.

The IAEA said its experts had confirmed three drone attacks and that Russian troops appeared to have stopped a drone approaching Reactor 6.

“This is a significant escalation of nuclear safety and security risks at the Zaporizhzhya nuclear power plant. Such reckless attacks significantly increase the risk of a major nuclear accident and must be stopped immediately,” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi was quoted as saying in a statement. 

“An attack on a nuclear power plant is absolutely a no go,” Grossi has said. He stressed that although the damage to Unit 6 did not endanger nuclear safety, the incident was severe and could have compromised the integrity of the reactor’s protective system.