GAO Study Calls for Continued Attention to Secure Cyber Systems

In order to secure federal IT systems, continued attention is needed, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO).  The report identified severe deficiencies in security controls at a number of federal agencies, which have left persistent vulnerabilities.

“These weaknesses in the security of both financial and non-financial systems and information, including vulnerabilities in critical federal systems,” the…

GAO: Veteran Affairs Easy Cyber Target

Veterans Affairs has made little progress in securing its IT networks, according to a recently released report from the Government Accountability Office. Based on the GAO Federal Information System Controls Audit Manual, the VA was sub-par in the five categories.

“VA has also consistently had weaknesses in major information security control areas,” according to the report. “Further,…

Federal Agencies Lagging in Implementing Cybersecurity Measures

No federal agencies have yet fully actualized a cybersecurity program or implemented federal desktop core configuration requirements as recommended by the Government Accountability Office, according to Homeland Security Today.

In a statement on Monday, Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), chair of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said security of federal IT systems is “an ever-growing…

GAO Gives DHS Accolades for National Infrastructure Plan

The Government Accountability Office recently released a report that applauds the Department of Homeland Security’s new National Infrastructure Plan’s emphasis on cybersecurity. “DHS increased its emphasis on resiliency in the 2009 NIPP by discussing it with the same level of importance as protection,” the report states.

The report also highlighted DHS’ growing understanding of the threat from…

GAO Sees Challenges with CNCI

The Government Accountability Office has released a study of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative established by President Bush in 2008. Last week, a declassified version of the CNCI was released with the new administration’s changes and adaptations. GAO issued the study in response to ongoing threats to federal system by cyber attacks.

GAO was asked to determine what actions…

GAO Details 5 Areas DHS Should Work On

During a hearing on post-9/11 transportation issues, a representative of the Government Accountability Office outlined five key cybersecurity areas the Department of Homeland Security should address.

According to the statement, DHS needs to focus on the following:

(1) developing a comprehensive national plan for critical infrastructure protection, including cybersecurity; (2) developing and enhancing national cyber analysis and warning capabilities; (3) providing and coordinating incident response and recovery planning, including…

GAO Says Federal Systems Still Weak on Cyber Security

According to a recently released report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), a number of federal systems are still vulnerable to cyber attacks. A number of major government agencies have still not adequately addressed some of the security loopholes that continue to make the agencies vulnerable to cyber threats.

The GAO report stated that some of the principle failings were failing to authenticate users, monitor security events (such…

GAO Questions DHS Commitment to Private IT Protection

The Government Accountability Office has questioned the Department of Homeland Security’s commitment to adequately protecting private IT critical infrastructure in a new report released Wednesday.

DHS officials strongly deny the accusation and maintain they are committed to working with the private sector to enhance national cybersecurity.

The GAO report claims certain DHS agencies have not updated their sector plans to encompass new DHS cybersecurity requirements. The GAO report claimed…

Can Swine Flu Shut Off Internet?

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report on the effects of a pandemic involving the H1N1, or swine flu on the internet. The GAO believes that a pandemic will cause an exponential spike in internet traffic, significantly reducing the capabilities of the internet to provide rapid service.

The report states that a pandemic would cause a number of individuals to work from home and students to use…

NASA Has Been Breached

According to a report by the Government Accountability Office, NASA has experienced more than 1,000 security incidents involving malware in 2007 and 2008.

The malware was installed on NASA systems, putting sensitive data at risk of compromise.

The report cited 1,120 incidents in which malware was installed on systems or unauthorized data breaches occurred. GAO also stated that despite implementing new protocols, the NASA systems are still vulnerable to…