INTRODUCTION
OBJECTIVES OF THE REVIEW
This four-part review covers some important technologies, products, companies
and markets in the fight against various forms of terrorism. It reviews the
means to protect the nation's food, water and air by smart sensor technology. It
examines some of the important technologies to secure borders, facilities and
buildings, and also studies Internet security measures. Lastly, it reviews the
urgent need to develop the means to effectively respond to terrorist attacks,
should they occur, the economic and market implications of an attack, as well as
examples of products and recent research.
REASONS FOR DOING THIS REVIEW AND ITS IMPORTANCE
The use of commercial aircraft in acts of terrorism reached a tragic climax
on 9/11. Hijackings and airport bomb attacks experienced over the last thirty
years resulted in tightened airport security in the U.S. and the rest of the
world, but the scale of the 9/11 attack exposed the inadequacy of those
measures. Clearly, there was and is an urgent need to better control and monitor
the access of unauthorized people not only in airports, but to critical
installations.
It was quickly realized, too, that the food we eat, the water we drink and
the air we breathe were also easy targets for determined terrorists. These
terrorists could in fact attack using biological, chemical and nuclear means to
which the nation was ill prepared to respond.
All of this resulted in an unprecedented push to research and develop
technologies and products to counter the threats described above.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF THIS REVIEW AND INTENDED AUDIENCE
With its broad scope, this study will prove a valuable resource, particularly
for anyone involved with or interested in the markets for analytical
instrumentation, drug and toxicology analysis and treatment, and DNA profiling.
It will be of interest also to the electronic security, and biometrics
industries.
This study will be particularly useful for:
- researchers, laboratory and government personnel working in research or
company settings, as well as business professionals
- potential investors
- members of the general public who are interested in acquiring a
business-oriented view of the counter terrorism.
SCOPE AND FORMAT
This review is divided into four sections. The first section covers the
economic consequences and government response to possible attacks to the
nation's food, water and air. It also reviews sensor technology that could be
used to detect dangerous microorganisms. The second section looks at
technologies and products that could be used to secure the nation's borders,
facilities and buildings. The third section studies the means needed to secure
the Internet, intranets and wide area networking systems from intrusion. The
fourth section reviews the means needed to respond to the biological, chemical
and nuclear attacks.
INFORMATION SOURCES
This review was prepared with information gathered from a number of important
Business Communications Company, Inc. reports. These were:
- B-159 Biosensors and Bioelectronics
- B-166 Biological, Chemical and Nuclear Terrorism: Potential Diagnostic and
Treatment Costs
- G-100X Smart Card Technologies and Markets Worldwide
- G-221 Internet Security Technologies for the Changing E-Economy
- G236 Intelligent Sensing: Micro Noses, Eyes and Tongues
- G-266 Electronic, Acoustic and Optical Surveillance and Monitoring Systems
- G-276 The Global Biometrics Market
Additional information was gathered from government and university sources,
along with three BCC newsletters: Food Ingredients News, and Analytical
Separations News.
DISCLAIMER
This review is of a professional and accurate nature. It is not to be
considered an endorsement of any product described. Nor is it intended to
constitute a legal or accounting document. Neither the analyst, project manager,
typist, nor the publisher assume any liability for loss or damage as a result of
reliance on this material.
ANALYST CREDENTIALS
Dr. Butler spent over 25 years in academia before turning to publishing after
attending New York University's Business School. He spent 13 years with Business
Communications Company as its Director of Operations, leaving in order to
relocate in Massachusetts with his new wife. He spent some years as a financial
advisor before retiring. He still pursues editing and writing activities, among
other interests.
View Cart
