DHS IG: US-CERT Needs Work

Despite the various accomplishments of the U.S.-CERT in the past few years, there are still many areas that need improvement, DHS’ Inspector General told members of the House Committee on Homeland Security.

During a hearing June 16, Richard Skiner told members U.S.-CERT has had some successes but still doesn’t provide analysis and warning for the federal government as…

US Getting Closer to Finding Google Hackers

US authorities believe they may have identified the programming author who wrote the code used in the hacking attacks against search engine giant Google, according to an article in the Financial Times. After the discovery last week of the possible complicity of two schools in China with known ties to the military, US analysts say they may have determined which Chinese programmer wrote the code that…

DHS Opens Cybersecurity Center

The Department of Homeland Security opened a new cybersecurity center today: The National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, which will serve as a central warning center for cyber.

DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano said, “Consolidating our cyber and communications operations centers within the NCCIC will enhance our ability to effectively mitigate risks and respond to threats.”

The new facility will serve as an incident response center that can help to…

Mischel Kwon, Director of US Computer Emergency Response Team, Resigns

Mischel Kwon, director of the US Computer Emergency Response Team has resigned, reportedly due to frustration with bureaucratic obstacles and not having sufficient power to execute the functions of her office in Department of Homeland Security, according to Defense Tech.

Mischel Kwon, the fourth U.S. CERT director in five years, resigned on Friday. A Bush administration holdover, she took office in June 2008. Before that, she headed Information Security for the Department of Justice. …