Situation Awareness: FEMA Should Improve Controls to Restrict Unauthorized Access to Its Systems and Information

 

News from the Department of Homeland Security OIG Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.   February 17, 2023                   Office of Public Affairs: dhs-oig.officepublicaffairs@oig.dhs.gov FEMA Should Improve Controls to Restrict Unauthorized Access to Its Systems and Information The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) did not consistently apply the information technology (IT) access controls needed to restrict unnecessary access to its systems and information. Specifically, FEMA did not promptly remove or adjust system and information access when personnel separated or changed positions. For example, 75 percent of the accounts for separated personnel we examined remained active beyond the individual’s last workday. Additionally, FEMA did not monitor and configure privileged user access, service accounts, and access to sensitive security functions as required. These deficiencies stemmed from insufficient internal controls and day-to-day oversight to ensure access controls were administered appropriately and effectively to prevent unauthorized access. Based on our testing, FEMA did not implement all the required security settings and address vulnerabilities timely for its IT systems and workstations. This occurred because FEMA was concerned updates might negatively impact system operations and because it faced operational challenges. The deficiencies identified during this audit exposed FEMA’s network and IT systems to risks of compromise by potential attackers. Additionally, these deficiencies could have limited the Department’s overall ability to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to its network, which may disrupt mission operations.   Read Report No. OIG-23-16 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY, OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL WWW.OIG.DHS.GOV  l TWITTER: @DHSOIG     Audits, Inspections, and Evaluations by Fiscal Year    2023  2022  2021  Reports by DHS Component CBP   CISA    FEMA   ICE   MANAGEMENT   TSA   USCIS   USCG   USSS  OTHERS Semiannual Reports to Congress (SAR) Apr 1 - Sep 30, 2022     Oct 1, 2021 - Mar 31, 2022     Archive

International Presence: Call for Inputs on Upcoming Country Visit to the U.S by the UN International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement from 24 April – 5 May 2023

BEMA International.  We are beyond 'business as usual' for our national and global community members.

https://www.ohchr.org/en/calls-for-input/2023/call-inputs-upcoming-country-visit-united-states-america-united-nations

The International Independent Expert Mechanism to Advance Racial Justice and Equality in the context of Law Enforcement will conduct a country visit to the United States of America from 24 April – 5 May 2023. Purpose  To Collect information in preparation for the Expert Mechanism's visit to the United States of America scheduled to take place 24 April – 5 May 2023 Background The mandate of the Expert Mechanism is detailed in resolution 47/21. The Expert Mechanism is mandated under paragraph 11 of the resolution to advance racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement in all parts of the world by, inter alia conducting country visits, inclusive outreach, and consultations with States, directly affected individuals and communities, and other stakeholders, and taking into account an intersectional approach. The Expert Mechanism is comprised of three members- Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, Dr. Tracie Keesee, and Professor Juan Méndez. Learn more about the Expert Mechanism here During the mission, the Expert Mechanism will meet national stakeholders, including government officials including law enforcement authorities, civil society organisations, United Nations representatives, academics, lawyers, and victims. The Expert Mechanism will also conduct site visits and spend time outside the capital city to better understand the issues faced by Africans and people of African Descent in the country. The Expert Mechanism will offer recommendations to support the Government's efforts in combatting structural and institutional racism, the excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement and the criminal justice system against Africans and people of African descent. The Expert Mechanism will present a mission report with its findings and recommendations. Objectives The Expert Mechanism seeks to understand the USA’s efforts in combatting structural and institutional racism, the excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement against Africans and people of African descent, in the spirit of cooperation and dialogue. During the visit, the Expert Mechanism will study: Systemic racism as a root cause of excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement against Africans and people of African descent. Access to justice, accountability, and redress for excessive use of force and other human rights violations by law enforcement officials against Africans and people of African descent. Alignment of domestic laws, policies, and practices on the use of force by law enforcement officials with international human rights norms and standards. Alignment of domestic laws, policies, and practices in the criminal justice system with international human rights norms and standards Good practices and lessons learned related to laws, policies and practices on racial justice and equality in the context of law enforcement and the justice system. Key questions and types of input/comments sought The Expert Mechanism would like to invite all interested individuals and organizations, including Africans and people of African descent, representatives of civil society organisations, experts, lawyers, and academics to send inputs ahead of their visit, such as: Recent analytical reports or surveys on Africans and People of African descent examining structural and institutional racism, excessive use of force, and other human rights violations by law enforcement and the criminal justice system against them in the USA. Information on the policies, programmes, practices, and legal framework concerning law enforcement, the criminal justice system and Africans and People of African descent in the USA. Information on emblematic cases concerning Africans and people of African descent and their interaction with law enforcement or the criminal justice system including any judicial action, accountability and reparation measures taken in the USA. Priority issues concerns and situations that warrant the Expert Mechanism's attention in the USA. Suggestions on issues to examine and related places to visit in the USA. Suggestions on government officials and civil society actors to meet in different regions in the USA  How inputs will be used Submission will remain confidential. They will be considered during the country visit and will be considered for the Expert Mechanism’s report on the country visit. Next Steps Input/comments may be sent by e-mail. They must be received by 24 February 2023. Email address:    ohchr-emler@un.org Email subject line:    2023 Visit to the USA Word limit:    2500 words File formats:    Word, PDF Accepted languages:    English

 

 

Black Emergency Managers Association International Washington, D.C.  20020
bEMA International
Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)
A 501 (c) 3 organization

International Presence: Adherence and Linkages of UNGC, SDG's, and our global community the result are our actions.

BEMA International is a global platform.

Adherence to the United National Global Compact (UNGC) Ten Principles, linked to the 

    United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's).

As a member of BEMA International you are a vital part of our membership in the UNGC and SDG's.

The UN Global Compact Ten Principles and the Sustainable Development Goals 

This graphic illustrates some of the primary linkages between the UN Global Compact Ten Principles and the contribution that these can make towards the achievement of the SDGs. By respecting and supporting universal principles, UN Global Compact business participants can play an important role in helping to realize the SDGs.

Reference

Black Emergency Managers Association International Washington, D.C.  20020   bEMA International Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)   A 501 (c) 3 organization

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” —Angela Davis

Member Focus: Sheldon Williams. EDFU Foundation Inc. and The Conservancy Corp.

BEMA International is platform.  A platform with an international presence with members on land, sea, underwater, air, and space. 

https://www.edfufoundation.org/sheldon-williams.html 

https://www.theconservancycorp.org/leaders.html

CEO & Founder As a Futurist, Sheldon Williams has always worked to make the world a better place for all humanity. In 1999 Sheldon co-founded and became the President of both Edfu Foundation Inc (https://edufoundation.org.zw/index.html)., a 501©4 Non-profit NGO with EcoSoc status in the United Nations and The Conservancy Corp (https://www.theconservancycorp.org/leaders.html). an Internal Revenue Service registered 501(c)(3) entity that promotes Edfu Foundation’s mission of eliminating racism and structural violence;  advocating for the socioeconomic equality, diversity, human rights  and the progress of the human family. Edfu Foundation works to develop innovative policies and programs that bridge the divide between theory and practice. With over 20 years of Service in the U.S. Coast Guard, Sheldon has worked as a member of the Leadership Diversity and Advisory Council and was chosen as the 2016, 2018 and 2019 National NAACP Roy Wilkins renown service award winner as well as nominated as a finalist for the inaugural Department of Homeland Security diversity officer of the year. He is also the 2018 Society of American Indian Government Employees Meritorious Service Award. As a Chief Electronics Technician in the U.S. Coast, Sheldon has traveled throughout the nation and internationally to maintain vital technological systems and assisted in multi-agency projects nationally and internationally, as well as maintaining several Incident Command System certifications through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Sheldon is a member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and holds several certifications in regards to non-profit management and fundraising. Sheldon also runs a blog dedicated to indigenous futurism which is dedicated to bringing exposure to the speculative fiction genre and raising the self-esteem of young people by presenting them with images of diverse characters that all people can identify with. He has interviewed numerous television and movie personalities and has been invited as a member of the press for several conventions, events and screenings.

  

 

Black Emergency Managers Association International Washington, D.C.  20020   bEMA International Cooperation, Collaboration, Communication, Coordination, Community engagement, and  Partnering (C5&P)   A 501 (c) 3 organization

“You have to act as if it were possible to radically transform the world. And you have to do it all the time.” —Angela Davis