Cybersecurity

• US safer 12 years after 9/11, but threat has evolved, experts say

  While the threat of a Sept. 11-style attack may not be as great, terrorism, either of the lone-wolf or state-sponsored variety, still poses a threat to the U.S. Agencies are moving to protect themselves in areas such as cybersecurity.

  Federal Drive

  September 11, 2013
• The human aspect of security

  Terry Gudaitis , owner/principal of Mindstar Security discusses how social media impacts security at your agency. September 10, 2013

  Federal Tech Talk

  September 10, 2013
• Intel Community offers first glimpse of future IT tools, network

  The Office of the Director of National Intelligence said the lead agencies under the IC IT Enterprise program launched a standard desktop, a secure community cloud and an apps store in mid-August. Al Tarasiuk, the assistant DNI and intelligence community chief information officer, said the key to this effort was having an ICwide agreed-upon security architecture and policies.

  Defense

  September 10, 2013
• Energy ups number of employees at risk after cyber attack to 53,000

  The Department of Energy first reported in August 14,000 current and former employees had their Personally Identifiable Information stolen. The department now says that number is nearly four times what it had originally thought.

  Technology

  September 05, 2013
• DoD to unite IT, building control systems along same cyber lines

  The Defense chief information officer is expected to update one directive to expand the number and type of devices that must meet the military's cybersecurity requirements. The Pentagon also will issue a second revised directive to move DoD closer to civilian agencies around risk management of IT systems.

  Defense

  August 22, 2013
• DHS pitches cyber projects to Silicon Valley, eyes commercialization

  Eight cutting-edge technologies developed by the government are being shown off this week to venture capitalists and investors in Silicon Valley, with the hope of attracting someone to take the applications to market.

  Technology

  August 21, 2013
• DHS appoints Schneck to senior cyber position

  Phyllis Schneck is the new deputy undersecretary of cybersecurity in the National Protection and Programs Directorate at DHS. She replaces Mark Weatherford, who left in April.

  Technology

  August 19, 2013
• Hackers break into Energy’s computer networks, put employees at risk

  The Energy Department confirmed 14,000 current and former employees are at risk of identity theft as cyber attackers gained access to their personal information. This is at least the second hacking incident this year.

  Technology

  August 16, 2013
• DoD ‘sprints’ toward IT acquisition, accepts more risk

  The director of the Defense Information Systems Agency says the agency will spend the next year focusing on a faster, more agile acquisition process to accelerate the way it delivers technology, rather than letting procurements drag on for years.

  Defense

  August 15, 2013
• Security leaks could affect legislation

  Recent revelations about secret U.S. surveillance programs could significantly impede progress on negotiations over new laws and regulations meant to beef up the country's defenses against the growing threat of cyber-attacks. Current and former cyber security officials say they worry the ongoing disclosures about secret National Security Agency spying programs by former NSA contractor Edward Snowden could trigger knee-jerk reactions by Congress or the private sector.

  Technology

  August 13, 2013
• How does DHS respond to Cyber incidents?

  How does DHS detect and respond to malicious cyber activity. DHS also operates a cyber-information coordination center, the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC), and several operational units. These units respond to incidents and provide technical assistance to information system operators. The NCCIC coordinates the information collected through these channels to create a common operating picture for cyber communities across all levels of government and the private sector.

  Technology

  August 13, 2013
• Is your computer vulnerable?

  How do you know if your computer is vulnerable to cyber-attack? USCERT The U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team. says many computers are sold with software already loaded. Whether installed by a computer manufacturer, operating system maker, Internet Service Provider, or by a retail store, USCERT says the first step in assessing the vulnerability of your computer is to find out what software is installed and how one program will interact with another. Unfortunately, it is not practical for most people to perform this level of analysis.

  Technology

  August 13, 2013
• Understanding DHS’s role in cyber security

  What is DHS's role in cyber security. DHS uses intrusion detection tools to monitor .gov network traffic for malicious activity and uses this resulting data to address cyber vulnerabilities. In addition, DHS issues bulletins and alerts that provide information on potential cyber threats. Last year, DHS issued more the 5,000 alerts and advisories, which it shared with various government, private sector, and critical infrastructure stakeholders; as well as the public.

  Technology

  August 13, 2013
• Looking inside cyber-criminal organizations

  Cyber criminals --what's their M.O.? USCERT says Attackers focus on exploiting client-side systems (your computer) through various vulnerabilities. They use these vulnerabilities to take control of your computer, steal your information, destroy your files, and use your computer to attack other computers. A low-cost way attackers do this is by exploiting vulnerabilities in web browsers. An attacker can create a malicious web page that will install Trojan software or spyware that will steal your information.

  Technology

  August 13, 2013