SubscribeGovernment Computers Under Attack
February 2, 2008
“Computer systems, vital to national defense, are under a growing assault from Internet hackers, cyber terrorists and foreign spies looking to steal secrets and disrupt government operations.” (CBS News)
Jihadists Get Encryption Upgrade
January 26, 2008
“Last week, an Islamist Web site called Al-Ekhlas released updated encryption software to help keep secret communications from prying eyes. The site is allegedly frequented by al-Qaida supporters.
According to the Middle East Media Research Institute, the first version of the software, “Mujahideen Secrets,” was released a year ago as “the first Islamic computer program for secure exchange [of information] on the Internet.” MEMRI says that the program includes “the five best encryption algorithms, and with symmetrical encryption keys (256 bit), asymmetrical encryption keys (2048 bit) and data compression [tools].”" (Information Week)
Cell Phone Sensors Detect Radiation To Thwart Nuclear Terrorism
January 25, 2008
“Researchers at Purdue University are working with the state of Indiana to develop a system that would use a network of cell phones to detect and track radiation to help prevent terrorist attacks with radiological “dirty bombs” and nuclear weapons.” (Science Daily)
TWIC card needs double since initial estimates
January 24, 2008
“The U.S. Coast Guard now says that up to 1.5 million workers could need Transportation Worker Identification Credential cards — twice the number that some had originally estimated would need the smart cards for unescorted access to secure areas of U.S port facilities and vessels.” (FCW)
Government should make IT security a priority, execs say
January 24, 2008
“The next U.S. president needs to pay more attention to securing the government’s data and information technology systems, and Congress must be willing to provide adequate funding for the task, say executives from Symantec.
“These are clear and present dangers,” Symantec Chief Operating Officer Enrique Salem said Thursday during a lunch with Washington IT reporters. “There is a real exposure.” ” (GCN)
Air Force working on cheaper plug-and-play satellites
January 22, 2008
“Satellites represent an extremely impressive technological achievement, serving as communications relays in orbits as high as 22,600 miles above the Earth or providing precise location information to handheld Global Positioning System receivers priced at as little as $100.
At the same time, satellite development and manufacturing seems stuck in the pre-automation age, with each bird laboriously handcrafted in a process that takes years and with costs for new Defense Department satellite systems routinely measured in the billions of dollars.” (GovExec)
Northrop Grumman Achieving C-MANPADS Milestones
January 22, 2008
“Northrop Grumman says its Guardian infrared aircraft missile defense system exceeded expectations in live-fire tests in late 2007 and would top reliability goals if eventually installed on commercial air transports.
The live-fire ground tests and aircraft installations were carried out as part of the Department of Homeland Security’s ongoing Counter-MANPADS (C- MANPADS) program. The flight program is evaluating the system’s compatibility with daily passenger airline operations and maintenance.” (Trading Markets)
The security badge for the future
January 22, 2008
“It could be years before agencies realize the full capabilities of the new personal identity verification cards that Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 requires” (FCW)
Ridge: Fighting terror takes ‘People plus technology’
January 18, 2008
“Former Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge told a roomful of lawyers on Friday that the terrorist threat to the United States is “real and multi-generational,” but it also is “something we can deal with” through advances in intelligence-gathering and technology.
“People plus technology is what will get us where we need to be to be able to protect ourselves,” he said during an American Bar Association conference keynote. Ridge left his Cabinet-level post for the private sector in 2005 and now has his own consulting firm.” (GovExec)
State, DHS grant RFID contracts to speed border crossings
January 17, 2008
“The State and Homeland Security departments this week awarded more than $160 million in contracts for electronic identifying systems using radio frequencies that are designed to speed up border crossings.
The State Department awarded General Dynamics Information Technology a five-year $99.3 million contract for a radio frequency identification passport card that travelers can use at U.S. land border crossings and sea ports of entry. State officials said it expects to start issuing the new cards this spring.” (GovExec)
