Homeland Security Information Network

HSIN is a comprehensive, nationally secure and trusted web-based platform able to facilitate Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU) information sharing and collaboration between federal, state, local, tribal, private sector, and international partners. The HSIN platform was created to interface with existing information sharing networks to support the diverse Communities of Interest (COI) engaged in preventing, protecting from, responding to, and recovering from all threats, hazards and incidents under the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security.

Built to enable collaboration through the use of web-based technology, HSIN facilitates collaboration among the various states, territories, the National Capital Region, and major urban areas. HSIN supports Department components and partners in the gathering, analysis and distribution of relevant, timely, and actionable mission-focused information across federal, state, and local government, and private industry COIs.

A key by-product of HSIN is the ability to provide real-time, interactive connectivity between states and major urban areas and the National Operations Center (NOC). HSIN is focused on providing a collaborative environment that interoperates with existing mission area systems developed and managed by our federal, state and local partners. HSIN is focused on enhancing collaboration rather than duplicating the capabilities provided by our partners. As a result of its unique perspective, HSIN facilitates collaboration between mission areas such as Law Enforcement, Emergency Management, and Critical Sectors.

Mission Areas

HSIN has five major mission areas which allow local, state, and federal organizations, private sector partners, critical sector organizations like utility companies, fusion centers and government agencies with multi-missions to collaborate on HSIN everyday:

• Intelligence and Analysis
• Law Enforcement
• Emergency Management
• Critical Sectors
• Multi-Mission Agencies

By using HSIN, these diverse communities are able to work together to perform investigations, identify terrorist activities, respond to areas affected by natural disasters and provide coordination during recovery operations.

HSIN Capabilities

HSIN offers many dynamic capabilities including:

• 24/7 availability
• Document Libraries
• Instant-messaging tool
• Web conferencing
• Incident reporting
• Common Operational Picture (COP) provides situational awareness and analysis
• Integrated Common Analytical Viewer (iCAV) gives geographical visualization
• Announcements
• Discussion Boards
• Task Lists
• Requests For Information/For Your Information (RFIs/FYIs)
• Calendars
• Really Simple Syndication (RSS) Feeds
• Online training materials

Joining HSIN

A request for nomination must be sent by a Community of Interest Owner (COI) or an authorized nominator, or you must send a request for membership to a COI via e-mail to hsin.helpdesk@dhs.gov. Please include the COI to which you desire membership, your name, official e-mail address, organization, supervisor’s name, and a phone number. Requests received via e-mail will be forwarded to the appropriate COI for consideration.  

HSIN currently has COIs that span a number of disciplines at all levels of government and the Private Sector. In the event your organization would like a new COI created to address a mission not already supported, we request that you provide your contact information via e-mail to the Program Management Office at hsin.srm@dhs.gov. A HSIN Mission Advocate will contact you to discuss your options.

Minimum technical requirements include access to a computer with the Microsoft Office Suite, Internet Explorer 6.0, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and Macromedia Flash.