James R. Clapper, the Director of National Intelligence told a congressional panel today (02/02) that the threat to U.S.-based computer networks is one of the country's most pressing security problems. Clapper stated that the United States is losing some $300 billion annually in cyber-based corporate espionage while sustaining daily intrusions against public systems controlling everything from major defense weapons systems to electricity and banking. Clapper, among others, urged lawmakers to pass a bill that forces intelligence sharing between the government and the private sector.

Yesterday (02/01), Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano traveled to Indianapolis to highlight the Department's "If You See Something, Say Something" public awareness campaign's continued partnership with the National Football League (NFL) to help ensure the safety and security of employees, players and fans during the regular season, and Super Bowl XLVI.

A suspicious envelope filled with white powder was found at Arizona’s Maricopa County Sheriff's Office on Monday (1/30). The envelop was addressed to the White House with controversial Sheriff Joe Arpaio's home listed as the return address.

AZCentral.com - "Arpaio said during a press conference later Monday that he found the letter at his home over the weekend and brought the envelope back to work Monday morning."

DHS Secretary Napolitano delivered her “2nd Annual Address on the State of America's Homeland Security” at The National Press Club today (1/30). In this year’s address, subtitled “Homeland Security and Economic Security,” Napolitano discussed TSA, maritime borders, southwest border security, and how world events can factor into U.S. homeland security, among other issues.

Accused of committing the largest intelligence leak in American history, Pfc. Bradely Manning is one step closer to facing a military court-martial. If the recent Article 32 hearing findings are approved, where it was found that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused did commit the alleged offenses, then he would face a court-martial. If convicted it has been recommended he get the maximum sentence of life in prison.

After an extensive undercover operation federal authorities arrested a 25-year-old man and charged him with one count of attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction. Sami Osmakac, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested in Tampa, FL after the FBI learned he was looking to buy explosives, automatic weapons and grenades to launch attacks on potential targets that included night clubs in Ybor City. The investigation continues and is being conducted by the FBI Tampa Division and the Tampa Joint Terrorism Task Force.

The development of the FBI's digital case-management system called Sentinel has been delayed once again and now it is scheduled to be launched in May. This is eight months later than originally planned even though the agency decided to use agile development to expedite the process. Sentinel is designed to replace the existing case system and all the outdated paper-based processes.

With fiscal reality hitting everyone these days, even the Pentagon needs to make some cuts so Defense Secretary Panetta is making preparations to do just that and will soon disclose his new plan for cutting billions of defense dollars. How these cuts will effect the U.S. defense strategy remains to be seen.