Jan 10

Written by:
1/10/2010 5:47 PM 

New Book on Virtual Worlds Describes Using Avatars to Fight Terrorism

Henley-Putnam Professor Releases Revealing Look at Emerging Technology

San Jose, CA, January 11, 2010 ― Henley-Putnam University professor Edward M Roche, Ph.D., J.D. has announced the release of his new work, Virtual Worlds Real Terrorism, a revealing look at Virtual World technology and its contribution to combating terrorism.

Virtual Worlds are 3-D Internet installations in which participants are represented by an “avatar” that they control. The newly released book takes a look into the use of this new medium as a platform for terrorism, criminal conspiracy, and espionage, and presents a blueprint for police and other government intelligence operations in this new environment.

“As an intelligence collection platform, Virtual Worlds allow law enforcement officials to penetrate dangerous organizations in ways we could not have imagined in previous decades,” said Roche. “Professionals educated in Virtual World technology and terrorism are becoming a critical part of the intelligence landscape.”

Based on review of scientific literature, development of case studies, as well as experimentation, Virtual Worlds shows how criminal and terrorist organizations can use Virtual Worlds to conduct their activities, including operation of large fund-raising operations. Roche covers the rise of Virtual Worlds in the People's Republic of China, the Middle East, and elsewhere. He envisions a world in which teams of intelligence and law enforcement professionals, including those disabled from duty, use Virtual Worlds to be on constant lookout for emerging threats. Dr. Roche’s book is particularly fascinating because it explores this subsection of the intelligence community that represents the future of counterterrorism in this country,” said Michael Corcoran, PhD, Henley-Putnam University president and former U.S. Secret Service agent. “We are thrilled about the book launch and pleased to have Ed’s unique and specialized expertise on Virtual Worlds available to our students.”

Virtual Worlds Real Terrorism can be purchased by clicking here (http://www.barracloughltd.com) and will become available on Google Books and Amazon.com later this month.

Henley-Putnam is a leading, accredited, online university offering degree programs and certificates in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection. Additionally, the university offers a doctorate degree in Strategic Security, a multidisciplinary approach to understanding security at the local, national, and global level.

For more information on Henley-Putnam University’s certificate and degree programs, please call admissions at 888.852.8746.

ABOUT EDWARD M. ROCHE

Edward M. Roche is the Director of Scientific Intelligence for Barraclough Ltd (http://www.barracloughltd.com). With more than 30 years of corporate experience in the IT sector, he had conducted a wide range of research projects involving information technology, telecommunications, virtual worlds, national security, political economy and industrial policies for technopolae and microelectronics. He is a member of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA), the Association for Intelligence Officers (AFIO), FBI InfraGard and has provided expert advice to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Roche performed research of Virtual Worlds for the Intelligence Advanced Research Projects Activity (IARPA). He worked for more than 25 years studying information technology in multinational enterprises and served as Chief Research Officer for Gartner Group.

A professor of Intelligence Technology at Henley-Putnam University, he is part of the university’s diverse and experienced faculty comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive hands-on experience in military, law enforcement, counterterrorism and intelligence.

ABOUT HENLEY-PUTNAM UNIVERSITY

Founded in August 2001, Henley-Putnam University is a leading educational institution in the field of Strategic Security. The University offers accredited online Bachelor, Master of Science Degrees in Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and the Management of Personal Protection, a Doctoral Degree Program in Strategic Security, and most recently added new Certificate Programs. Henley-Putnam prepares law enforcement, military, intelligence community, and private industry professionals with the network, skills, and insights to advance in their careers and protect the future. Henley-Putnam University, which is committed to building a student and alumni network that will serve its community, is an accredited member of DETC (www.detc.org) and offers 125 courses taught by hands-on faculty members from renowned organizations such as the CIA and FBI. For more information on Henley-Putnam University, call 888.852.8746.