WASHINGTON (AP) — The Homeland Security Department is announcing a new terror alert system.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh (JAY) Johnson says details about the new system will be announced soon. He says the change is needed to better inform Americans about the country's security posture.

This will be the third terror alert system put in place by DHS since the September 2001 terrorist attacks. The much maligned color-coded system was replaced in 2011 by the National Threat Advisory System.

Johnson says terrorist threats to the U.S. have evolved and terrorist-inspired threats are a growing concern. He says the changes to the system will keep the public better informed. He didn't provide specific details.

Johnson made the announcement Monday at a Defense One magazine forum.