Facebook used as a billboard for malware, Officials and industry preparing for a more mobile government and more

By Ryan Kamauff

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

• Facebook used as billboard for malware – “A cybercriminal has taken to selling his malware and related services on Facebook, boldly choosing a public forum to reach potential customers over the secretive world of the online underground.” This is a bold move by the criminal, it will give more coverage to the issue. Eventually, Facebook will have to decide what sort of advertisements they allow. Via Computerworld Singapore, more here.
• Reported DDoS attacks up 200 percent – “A new Akamai report provides insight into key global statistics including connection speeds, attack traffic, and network connectivity and availability, among many others.” DDoS attacks are low cost, yet highly disruptive attacks. The vast availability of botnets for rent or purchase has made them a preferred vector. Via Net Security.org, more here.
• Officials, industry preparing for more mobile government – The federal CIO, Steven VanRoekel is leading the effort to bring mobile devices and networks to the federal government. The federal mobile landscape is known mostly for outdated BlackBerry handsets due to security concerns. “VanRoekel’s office last year issued dozens of pages of strategy and milestones meant to help the government shift to a more digital era. The assignments included producing a shared app development program and establishing new government-wide mobile security standards.” This movement is aimed at modernizing and improving the federal government’s ability to accomplish their mission, as well increase their attractiveness to potential employees. Via Washington Post, more here.
• Hackers increasingly target shared Web hosting servers for use in mass phishing attacks – “Cybercriminals increasingly hack into shared Web hosting servers in order to use the domains hosted on them in large phishing campaigns, according to a report from the Anti-Phishing Working Group (APWG).” These web servers give them a platform from which they can launch their attacks. They replace all of the advertisements with their own phishing adverts, hoping to grab additional clicks and target information. Via Computerworld Malaysia, more here.
• The Fallout Of Sequestration On Government Security Networks – Over at HS Today, there is a discussion of how sequestration is destined to make networks less safe for all users. While most are focused on the conflict between the White House and Congress, they are missing the real damage being done to US concerns both CONUS and OCONUS. Via HS Today, more here.
• 10 technology trends that will revolutionize government – FedScoop has a list of ten technology trends that can help revolutionize government processes. This list includes the use of disrupters and enablers such as mobile, social reegineering by design, gamification and the business of IT. Via FedScoop, more here.

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