SubscribeUsers continue to compromise federal computer networks, says tech community
March 4, 2008
“More than half of government IT professionals know of violations in security protocols, according to a recent survey. Funding challenges hinder agencies’ ability to put proper security measures in place, while lack of systems and requirements standardization creates confusion in the market, said an industry official.” (GovExec)
Pentagon says China is developing ability to limit use of space by adversaries
March 4, 2008
“China is developing the ability to limit or prevent the use of satellites by potential adversaries during times of crisis, the Pentagon said Monday in a report to Congress.
The report, the latest in a series of annual assessments of China’s military power, highlights developments in China’s commercial space program and asserts that some can be of military use. And it says Chinese leaders have been silent on the question of a military motivation for their space programs.” (GovExec)
Vienna meeting reignites Iran nuclear debate
March 3, 2008
“Last Monday, the chief United Nations nuclear inspector gathered ambassadors and experts from dozens of nations in a boardroom high above the Danube in Vienna and laid out a trove of evidence that he said raised new questions about whether Iran had tried to design an atom bomb.
For more than two hours, representatives to the International Atomic Energy Agency were riveted by documents, sketches and even a video that appeared to have come from Iran’s own military laboratories. The inspector said they showed work “not consistent with any application other than the development of a nuclear weapon,” according to notes taken by diplomats.” (International Herald Tribune)
OMB reports 60 percent increase in information security incidents
March 3, 2008
“The number of information security incidents reported by federal agencies jumped from 5,146 in fiscal 2006 to 12,986 last year, with a 70 percent increase in unauthorized access to federal networks alone, according to a report from the Office of Management released Saturday.” (GovExec)
Terrorist’s case shows Yemen’s flexible justice
March 1, 2008
“Jaber Elbaneh has been one of the FBI’s most-wanted terrorist suspects ever since he escaped from a high-security prison two years ago in Sana, the capital of Yemen.
So when Elbaneh, a 41-year-old American citizen, walked freely into a Yemeni courthouse where his conviction was being appealed Feb. 23 , the judge and the prosecutor were stunned. They asked him to show identification, which he did.” (International Herald Tribune)
Guns, ‘Anarchist Book’ Found With Ricin
March 1, 2008
“Firearms and an “anarchist type textbook” were found in the same motel room where several vials of the deadly toxin ricin was found, police said Friday.
The room was most recently occupied by a 57-year-old man who has been in critical condition with breathing problems at a hospital for more than two weeks.” (AP)
Man critical in Las Vegas after poison ricin found
March 1, 2008
“An unidentified man is in critical condition with suspected ricin poisoning after staying in a Las Vegas hotel room where the potentially deadly substance was found, police said on Friday.” (Reuters)
