NSA refuses FOIA request, Cyber order puts DHS in charge of oversight and more

By RyanKamauff

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

• EU and U.S. Sign Joint Declaration to Make the Internet Safer for Kids – The European Commission Vice President for the Digital Agenda Neelie Kroes and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano signed a joint declaration in London yesterday. This joint campaign also has an annual Safer Internet Day, joint work to fight child sex abuse online and more. Via IT News Online, more here.
• Exceptionally grave damage: NSA refuses to declassify Obama’s cybersecurity directive – NSA has shut down a FOIA request regarding the presidential order that is now governing cybersecurity. This order allegedly has given the president the right to deploy US troops on US territory in the case of a cyber emergency. Via Russia Today, more here.
• IRS two-factor authentication system nearly 2 years behind schedule, finds TIGTA – The IRS’s movement to SmartID cards (or PIV) are over 22 months behind schedule. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration report was released 15 November. The IRS has purchased 95,000 ActivClient licenses and Oracle ESSO software. This project failed due to a project manager without proper training and experience along with a laundry list of other failings. Via FierceGovernmentIT, more here.
• Cyber Order Puts DHS In Charge Of Oversight, Sets Deadlines – The White House draft executive order moves enforcement and management of cybersecurity concerns to federal agencies. It also creates a “consultative process” led by DHS Secretary Napolitano. Via AOL Gov, more here.
• Lab misspent more than $1M on IT purchases, says SEC OIG – The Automation Review Program laboratory spent over $1M on equipment and software with no oversight or planning. As well, the staff did not follow SEC security protocols. They took unencrypted and unprotected laptops out on inspections. Via FiercGovernmentIT, more here.

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