DHS information network gets new authentication tech

The network that supports information sharing and collaboration among the Department of Homeland Security's federal, state and local partners is equipped with a new user identification and verification capability.

On April 7, DHS' Science and Technology Directorate said it has implemented the Backend Attribute Exchange on the Homeland Security Information Network. The exchange streamlines identity management by keeping users' security credentials stored on local systems but accessible from other network locations. It now allows users to verify their identities at HSIN outposts without their credentials having to move insecurely between the locations.

According to DHS officials, the exchange simplifies identification and verification by determining whether a user has a legitimate need to access information on another network in the system.

About 55,000 people use the 10-year-old HSIN for planning, response and daily operations, according to DHS. They include federal, state and local officials involved in law enforcement, public health, emergency services, infrastructure protection, port security and other functions that require access to homeland security information. Private-sector organizations are also eligible to join HSIN, which shares sensitive but unclassified information among members.

The system was developed by Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory and Queralt, using DHS funding.