Study: Existing tech can help DHS

The federal government has not yet taken full advantage of private-sector technology expertise to fight the war on terrorism, according to a new study from the Markle Foundation, a nonprofit think tank.

In its report, "Creating a Trusted Information Network for Homeland Security," the New York-based foundation catalogs gaps in the nation's system for analyzing and sharing intelligence information.

As a solution, the foundation details the elements of a proposed Systemwide Homeland Analysis and Resources Exchange Network. The group said the network would more effectively combat terrorism while protecting privacy and other civil liberties.

The network could be overseen by the Homeland Security Department and could be built in its first stage using existing technology. This technology would allow information to be protected and shared through published directories, which list what entity has relevant information, and rules of permission to determine which groups can access the information.