Hackers Look to Fight Back

Hackers have released software they claim can destroy the cyber-forensic tools used by many law enforcement agencies throughout the world.

The forensic tool, known as Computer Online Forensic Evidence Extractor, is given to police agencies for free who use the series of tools to collect information from Windows-based operating systems.

The software, called Decaf, is installed on PCs by users. When a USB drive with the COFEE software on it is…

Navy CIO Robert Carey Weighs In on Cybersecurity Metrics

As individuals and organizations become more conscientious about cybersecurity, the question arises of how to measure the effectiveness of cybersecurity programs and departments. Beyond the obvious metric of “no breach has occurred,” what are some other ways to measure the realm of cybersecurity?

In his blog, Robert Carey, the Navy’s CIO, added his voice to the growing debate. First…

Cyber Coordinator Named (Finally)

After nearly seven months of waiting, the White House has finally named Howard Schmidt as cybersecurity coordinator. According to the White House, Schmidt will serve as a member of the president’s national security staff with regular access to the president and will also serve on the president’s economic council.

In his new position, Schmidt will…

Russian Criminals Hack Citibank

According to recent press reports, US law enforcement officials are presently investigating the theft of tens of millions of dollars from Citibank by hackers using Russian software. The attack appeared to emanate from IP addresses linked to the Russian Business Network, a group of well known cyber criminals.

The Russian Business Network is known for involvement in spam, child pornography, malicious software and hacking. It appears that the attackers used…

What is a Google Knol?

Google is moving towards providing a challenge to the Wikipedia model, with user generated and edited content. Called Knol, the collaborative effort provides some added attractions not featured in the standard ‘Wikipedia’ model.

Knol (nōl) is a ‘unit of knowledge’ according to the slogan on the website. It is designed to allow contributors to impart their particular knowledge…

Stolen Laptop Contained Data on Military Family Members

The U.S. Army has confirmed a laptop stolen from an employee of the Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command over Thanksgiving weekend contained the personal data of around 42,000 military family members.

The command became aware of the breach Dec. 1 and has been investigating to ascertain the extent of the breach.

Last week, the Army sent letters to the individuals who may have been affected regarding the…

City in India Launches Cyber Crime Police Station

The city of Kolkata, India, has launched a police station that will be solely devoted to handling cyber crime issues, according to an article in the Indian Express. The police launched a website, http://kolkatapolice-cybercampaign.net, which serves as an educational platform along with serving as a complaint receipt system and query registry.

Once the cyber police station is formed, it will be the fourth…

North Koreans may have acquired US-South Korean Military Plans

The North Koreans may have hacked into a computer used by a South Korean official and downloaded part of a war plan developed by the US and South Korea, according to The Chosun Ilbo. The breach appears to have occurred earlier this year when a South Korean officer used an unsecured USB drive on his home computer and part of a secure plan, known as OPLAN 5027,…

Iranian Cyber Army Launches Attack

A group calling itself the Iranian Cyber Army have carried out cyber attacks against Twitter, and the website of a group who claims the recent elections in Iran were fraudulent. The group hacked the two websites and replaced them with anti-American slogans.

Service to Twitter was disrupted for more than an hour. The website of the opposition group was down for two days. Following the recent allegedly fraudulent…

‘We don’t need a eunuch’ as Cyber Czar says Rep. David Wu

During a recent interview with GovInfoSecurity.com, Rep. David Wu said “If we’re going to have someone, we don’t need a cybersecurity eunuch; we need someone who has a little bit more oomph to get the job done.” Wu wants the concept to go in one of two directions: either drop the concept all together or give the position the requisite power and authority needed to be effective.

Wu’s…