EPA has dismal IT failures, Samsung S-Memo security lapse and more

By RyanKamauff

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

• DHS aims to hire 600 cybersecurity pros — if it can find them – DHS and other federal agencies are looking hard to find cybersecurity experts for hire, but cyber experts are saying DHS and other agencies haven’t figured out how to attract the talent. This is because the best cyber experts do not fit the standard hiring profiles. Via CSO Online, more here.
• Government Technology is introducing the new Michigan Cyber Range – The state of Michigan has set up a cyber range to increase testing and training for all cyber warriors. This program enables education and increased capabilities. On Friday, they launched the range and it should be a huge asset to the state and cyber security experts in the area. Via Government Technology, more here.
• FISMA Failings: Could EPA’s IT Defense Deficiencies Silence the Agency? – A recent EPA OIG report details a litany of network security failures by the agency. This includes deploying a SIEM tool that does not comply with agency guidelines, noncompliance with federal computer security log management policy, and not following up to manage security failures. Via Circle ID, more here.
• Samsung S-Memo Security Flaw Reminds Us of the Dangers of Rooting a Device – A Galaxy S3 user was poking around his device, and opened up the S-Memo database in a SQL tool. He found that Samsung was storing his Google account password, in plaintext. While this information was only available to him because the device was rooted, it is a huge security lapse on Samsung’s side. Via Droid-Life, more here.
• Symantec predicts security 2013 – Symantec has broken down what they think are the five security threats and trends for 2013. They include, cyber-conflict, ransomware, mobile adware, monetization of social networks and attackers moving to mobile and cloud. Via BetaNews, more here.

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