Risks Of An Attack On The Homeland - 1002 Words

As defined by GAO, Risk Management is a systematic process to consider the likelihood that a threat will endanger an asset, individual, or function, and to identify actions to reduce the risk and mitigate the consequences of an attack. (Decker 2002, pg.1) At the end of that definition are two words that define what we face when it comes to terrorism. Some will argue that an attack on the homeland is inevitable and yet others will argue that such an attack is preventable. What is undeniable is that the risk of an attack cannot be completely eliminated. Even the best prevention efforts and methods will only reduce risk and mitigate consequences. As difficult as it for terrorist groups to carry out plans and ultimately attacks on their†¦show more content†¦Most private sector corporations use a risk management process aimed at preventing a drop in demands for their product, hence the loss of money. Our government uses an approach aimed at preventing disasters both man-made and natural. Initially, the sole purpose of homeland security was to prevent terrorist attacks. Terrorist groups have evolved over time and so has DHS to meet the challenges of today that include disasters such as hurricane Katrina. However, terrorist groups do continue to plot against us and therefore the prevention of terrorism remains atop the priority list. The DHS risk management approach is based on the assessment of threats, vulnerability, and criticality or importance. Not one aspect is more important than the others and all must be assessed with an equal balance. When assessing threats, the capability, lethality, and intention are taken into account. Intelligence agencies such as the CIA and DIA assess foreign threats while the FBI assesses domestic threats. With ever-evolving threats, it is nearly impossible to accurately capture every threat and there is no way to know if they are. Therefore it is critical that other assessments such as vulnerability are taken into account in order for this risk management approach to work. Vulnerability assessments identify weaknesses in areas that may be exploited by terrorist groups such as physical structures and personnel protection systems. How far parking lots are from important buildings and the