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Return to Article: High-tech border network could fall prey to cyberattacks

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  I was an engineer on the intial project 1997-2004 that deployed over 250 remote survellance sites on the borders with analogy IMC 7/15 GHz analog microwave radios, Betatech PTZ recievers, and Alcatel OC-3 relay backhauls with Televideo MPEG-2 encoders. This was a reliable solution since the analog radios could run at temperatures of up to 150F. The problem was that got bad press is that the govt. bought thermal imaging technology from a company called ISAP that was unreliable. Hence, the system design was flawed. They would not climb the 80' foot poles to maintain a system that operated in these extreme temperate environments. Now that Boieng had the contract, they are going with off the shelf technologies. This is the fleecing of America. Why not utilize the current reliable technology and maintain it. We operate a 4.9 GHz network in Maine and observe radio temperatures approaching 129F (rated at 134F). How do they expect to avoid this and also avoid interference. The real solution is to create a WiMax mesh system with military components that operates at 7 GHz with Megapixel MJPEG cameras if they want to go digital. The other solution is to maintain the current reliable infrastructure (most people change the oil in their cars afterall).

  Jeff Hinckley Posted July 15, 2007 9:48 PM
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  Neither WiFi nor WiMAX should be used for these projects. Any technology based on a standard such as 802.11b,g or a and 802.16 will be vulnerable to all attacks; DOS, jamming, spoofing, etc. There are many proprietary products in the licensed and even un-licensed bands, that have superior encryption and protection capabilties built-in along with some advance FHSS modulation which is much more difficult to jam or detect. So LPI is better served compared to DSSS or OFDM hands down. Lastly, as I understand it, the agents are going to have a mobile solution coming for their trucks...the 5.8GHz band is not true NLOS (OFDM helps but can not break the laws of RF physics) and range will diminishing quickly since vehicles can not have a high gain directional antenna tracking the base AP without a special system. I hope to get in touch with someone at CBP that will listen.

  Jaime Solorza Posted July 13, 2007 5:09 PM
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  The headline of this article was misleading. It should not have said, "could fall prey" but said "will fall prey to cyberattacks."

  Just another example of failed leadership and failure to grasp fundamentals from Secretary Chertoff on down.

  The US DoD has been engineering and installing perimeter and border security systems since 1941. We and our contractors are very good at it. [search for "Integrated Base Defense System"]

  When this was first proposed by DHS two years ago it was obvious to DoD Security Engineers that it would not work. And especially not work at the cost quoted. Underbudgeted by a factor of 2.5x and no evidence of competent adult supervision in the engineering planning phase.

  But... no one asked us what would work. Wi-Fi and VOIP have always been easy soft kills with no real technical expertise required by the attackers. That is why we try hard not to use them and when we do - it is for convenience and not cost reasons. Because we have to purchase lot's of security devices to protect the rest of the network from those devices. Hence you do not save any money. Any system built with either of these two technologies can never be considered mission critical.

  First you build real fences and real physical barriers. Then you begin trenching in the electric power cables and communications cables (both a major cost not accounted for by DHS). As the surveillance towers go in then you can build regional Surveillance Operations Centers. Not one but four.

  All of this technology... is to aid the Field Officers. The Goals must be: reduce intrusions, faster response to real intrusions, no surprises and no ambushes. Not a foolish attempt to replace LEOs. This proposed system as planned will not accomplish any of the goals. Waste, Fraud and Abuse.

  A tip: Wi-Fi is bad for Video transmission and nothing eats up bandwidth more than real time video. The only RF technology currently available that can actually handle securely transmitting multiple cameras video feed is Motorola's WiMax system. But this technology is used to provide instructions and video feed to mobile Officers in the field, not as a backbone network for the true command and control system.

  Sam Waite Posted July 11, 2007 7:40 PM
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  David and the defenders of this system:

  I absolutely and unequivocally disagree. The problem with systems, such as these, is that the flaws are detected early on... and they rely on later iterations or efforts to fix them. Often these fixes never come, and we end up with a problematic system that costs too much and doesn't serve the purpose intended.

  Sometimes simple answers are best. In this instance that means hiring LEOs.

  concerned citizen Posted July 10, 2007 3:06 PM
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  Sadly - there's no one left inside the federal government that knows what they're supposed to be doing. The only thing you can do is hope these ridiculous projects stimulate the local economy.

  IT Guy Posted July 10, 2007 12:17 AM
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  It easy to complain, but hard to provide solutions. Let's let them try to fix the problem before we kick it. It will take time, but they will find ways to solve the illegal immigration problems.

  David Posted July 9, 2007 12:45 PM
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  This story is much to do about nothing. Most financial institution already used this same standard and technology. Just curious-- Is the guy with the laptop and sophisticated peripherals a terrorist or is it the guy with a garbage bag and .25 centavos in his pocket? Why would they risk it? This is just another example of someone speaking venom to who ever will listen, govexec, so another contract for nothing special can be awarded!

  Gov Emp Posted July 8, 2007 7:39 PM
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  Gizmos, gadgets, IPODs, MP3s, laptops, cellphones, computers, whatever, all have their use/abuse/problems. As tools they're all invaluable at times, but not a substitute for well-trained LEO's. Cameras don't make arrests, complete paperwork, or help those in need. Go back to basics, hire the right people, and keep the techotoys to a minimum!

  US Customs Senior Inspector (Retired) Posted July 7, 2007 11:35 AM
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  I was so stunned and amazed by this article that I had to reread it, several times. To argue that this is a bad system design is like saying the Earth orbits the sun. I hardly know where to begin explaining why it's such a stunningly bad idea.

  The system, by itself, is a bad idea because it's another example of the administration not wanting to do what is necessary. They want to claim victory on the cheap. I'm sure someone has told them that the best security system in the world is useless if there is no hope of a timely response. You can expect that the Coyotes know that CBP is stretched thin. They know that there is no real expectation that an officer will respond, and they're probably right. That being the case, this is another 2.5 Billion dollars wasted by an administration that seems to do nothing BUT waste money.

  Concerned Citizen Posted July 7, 2007 10:05 AM
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  So, let me understand this... the system will work EXCEPT when we need it to work, it won't because hackers could launch a denial of service attack against the towers (one of the easier attacks to launch). Of all the overpriced, stupid ideas that the government has come up with... this one takes the cake. What EXACTLY, does this system do then?

  Concerned Citizen Posted July 7, 2007 9:29 AM
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  Another government program in line to fail at DHS. Shame, no? Waste of tax money, if you ask me. Let's go after the employers who knowingly hire illegal aliens, I say.

  Jinh Hwa Posted July 6, 2007 7:13 PM