Cybersecurity

Cyber defenders play offense in security contest

Participants in the Cyber Security Challenge II tried to rack up points by hacking systems of competitors and those of fictional agencies.

Cybersecurity

Anti-Minus Protection?

Computer security is a fairly new endeavor for me, so I find myself asking basic questions about basic protections. Like should I install virus protection software on my computer? The answer seems obvious, but I've learned some pretty disturbing facts about the effectiveness of this "protection."

Cybersecurity

System errors lead SSA to issue replacement cards in error, IG says

The Social Security Adminstration's computer systems for tracking the issuing of replacement SSN cards is lapsing a high percentage of the time, according to a report from the IG.

Cybersecurity

Screaming 'Come Rob Me'

With the explosion of social media usage, self infatuation is now considered an accepted form of sharing. But posting photos alongside the intimate details of your daily activities may be making you vulnerable to unrealized cyberattacks. In a metaphorical sense, the seemingly harmless photos you've been sharing might as well be nude shots.

Cybersecurity

Time to Get Going

Robert Rodriguez, founder of the Security Innovation Network, talks about the imperative to for government and business to collaborate in speeding innovative cybersecurity technology to market.

Cybersecurity

Kicking It Off

Welcome to the Cybersecurity Report, a joint effort from the SANS Institute and Nextgov. This blog will become a source of information to different kinds of computer users. Policy, breaking news, and emerging attack vectors will be a few of the many areas touched here.

Cybersecurity

Customs at odds with DHS IG over report on small-biz goals

Officials at Customs and Border Protection say a draft report by the inspector general contains 'misstatements of fact and inaccuracies that are misleading.'

Cybersecurity

VA investigating security breach of veterans' medical data

In violation of department policies, physician assistant allegedly conducted an unauthorized download of two sets of clinical records in an attempt to conduct research, according to sources.

Cybersecurity

Security guidance to aid agencies in cloud computing push

Threat list is helpful but incomplete, analysts say.

Cybersecurity

Obama announces new pick to head TSA

Robert Harding, former director for operations at the Defense Intelligence Agency, is President Barack Obama's new pick to lead the Transportation Security Administration.

Cybersecurity

Homeland Security wants you to know your cybersecurity ABCs

Napolitano announces campaign to collect the best ideas for improving the public's awareness and literacy of computer security.

Cybersecurity

Watchdog suggests clearer delineation of cybersecurity roles

Federal CIO argues agencies already know their responsibilities.

Cybersecurity

Are DHS contractors running amok?

Two heavyweights from the Senate want to know who is running the shop at the Homeland Security Department. And whoever it is, the department's inspector general would like to speak with them.

Cybersecurity

Uncle Cyber Sam wants you

The cyber spooks and watchdogs in the Obama administration are coming out of the shadows, making a full-court press to engage industry and the public in their crusade against cyber war.

Cybersecurity

DHS awarded noncompetitive contracts without having adequate records, IG says

The Homeland Security Department's Inspector General found gaps and missing data when he searched records on contracts awarded without open competition.

Cybersecurity

Fusion centers to be assessed

Federal, state and local officials plan to assess fusion centers' progress in meeting baseline capabilities.

Cybersecurity

Emergency communications center stalled, GAO says

The Homeland Security Department and its federal partners are still in the early stages in forming an emergency communications preparedness center, a report says.

Cybersecurity

Data mining

Physician offices have increased their use of electronic health records by 9.7 percent in the past year, according to a survey by research firm SK&A.