DHS Aiding with DDoS Attacks, Navy Cancels Annual IT Conference and more

By RyanKamauff

Here are the top cyber news and stories of the day.

• OMB tells agencies to begin sequestration plans – OMB has released further information to federal agencies, instructing them to begin planning for sequestration. “Agencies presented with these circumstances should continue to act in a prudent manner to ensure that operational risks are avoided and adequate funding is available for the remainder of the fiscal year to meet the agency’s core requirements and mission.” Via FedScoop, more here.
• DHS Aiding Banks with DDoS Attacks – The DHS is helping private institutions by sharing information about attacks when (and only when) requested. Thus, banking institutions must ask the DHS for this help. DHS is finding themselves increasingly able to create an operating picture that offers intelligence on threats and the environment. Via Bank InfoSecurity, more here.
• Navy cancels annual IT conference – The Department of the Navy has canceled its annual DON IT Conference, scheduled to be held Jan 28-30 in San Diego. An AFCEA West event is planned for similar days, which Navy leaders are suggesting local sailors to attend instead. No reason has been given for this measure (but it could easily be to help prepare for sequestration). Via FedScoop, more here.
• Mobile boosts productivity, risk for feds – According to a recent study by the Telework Exchange, 3 out of every 4 federal employees is using a mobile device to do business, which is translating to $28B of productivity gains. The report, called the 2013 Digital Dilemma, compiled data from 300 federal employees surveyed across numerous federal agencies, indicated that 95 percent of feds believe access to mobile devices improved their work, and that 55 percent bring their own devices to work. There are still concerns with BYOD and risk, but Telework Exchange leaders believe strong policies and capabilities can limit risk. Via Federal Computer Weekly, more here.
• VanRoekel: Digital strategy bearing economic fruit – The US CIO says that companies are being created specifically to exploit the data released by the government. Some startups, such as Trulia and Zillow, use government data to provide extensive real estate information. “We can greatly improve the lives of every American by unlocking pieces of data,” VanRoekel said Tuesday. He believes that big data will help increase the capabilities of health care, medicine and energy industries as well. Via FedScoop, more here.
• Log audit reveals developer outsourced his job to China – A firm recently reached out to Verizon, worried about VPN connections from their workstations to IP addresses in China. Instead of a Chinese hacker, they found out that a respected software engineer had been outsourcing his log auditing duties to a Chinese firm. Evidence made it appear that he was working from 9 to 5, when in reality he was just surfing the web. Via Net Security.org, more here.
• Acting GSA admin lays out priorities for 2013 – The acting GSA Administrator, Dan Tangherlini, announced his priorities for the coming year recently. They are; delivering better value and savings, serving its partners, expanding opportunities for small business, making a more sustainable government, leading with innovation and building a stronger GSA. Via FedScoop, more here.

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