Sharing through closed doors

One of the paradoxes of homeland security is that critical information must be safeguarded more vigorously than ever before, but exchanging information is equally important. The Homeland Security Department unit that has been wrestling with this problem since June is the National Cyber Security Division in DHS' Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate.

The division, which operates around the clock with 60 employees, issues alerts and warnings, facilitates information sharing and public awareness, responds to major incidents, and aids in national-level recovery efforts. It emphasizes partnership with industry and other organizations. The division comprises several predecessor organizations, including the Critical Infrastructure Assurance Office, the National Infrastructure Protection Center, the Federal Computer Incident Response Center and the National Communications System.