Hi, A dismaying new report underlines how vulnerable America remains to computer-engendered catastrophes. According to the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general, the agency tasked with responding to cyber-emergencies is woefully understaffed. It lacks both a strategic plan and the clear authority needed to shore up defenses at federal agencies. Yet in recent years, malicious activity aimed at computer networks has been multiplying. According to the DHS, hundreds of thousands of incidents per month afflict nonmilitary government networks.
About seven years ago, the US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERT) was set up within DHS to coordinate defenses. But the inspector general’s report, released last month, notes that only about half the agency’s authorized positions have been filled. Frequent leadership turnover has not helped. Nor does CERT have the power to do more than recommend specific precautions to federal agencies. CERT’s poor performance is part of a much broader problem. For decades, the government has been warned about potentially devastating cyberspace attacks. Hackers (who might work for terror groups or other countries) can disrupt the transmission of electricity. They can bring down banking, communications and transportation systems. Yet in both the public and private sectors, reluctance to adopt meaningful security measures persists. One reason is surely the cost. Americans love the convenience and freedom of the Internet but do not want to invest in making it secure. Software makers would have to charge more; access could slow. Businesses and consumers would pay. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "nforceit" group. To post to this group, send an email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nforceit?hl=en-GB.
