Article Entry
30 Mar 2009
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Monday Morning News Kick Off: Computer Spying Network; The Internet is Infected
Added by USGIF Category: Daily Intelligence Brief, General
Once again, it is Monday morning. Oh, how the the weeks are flying by. Before you know it, we will be packing up our families and heading to the shore for summer vacations. Well, that actually does seem far away at this point. Regardless, it is Monday and it’s time to get down to business with the “Monday Morning News Kick Off.” Today’s theme is all about cybersecurity. Read more below.
Deep Computer Spying Network Hits 103 Countries
In case you all missed it yesterday, the Sunday NY Times ran a front-page story about a 10-month cyberespionage investigation that has found that 1,295 computers in 103 countries and belonging to international institutions have been spied on, with some circumstantial evidence suggesting China may be to blame. They also found that hackers can take over a computer, turn on its video and audio capabilities and “listen” to what is going on in the room. Wow. No wonder cybersecurity is big deal for the intelligence community. This is no joke.
The Internet is Infected
Along these cybersecurity lines, 60 Minutes ran a sobering segment last night about how the Internet is “infected” and, despite best efforts, all of our computers and personal data is at risk. Here’s a video of the segment:
Watch CBS Videos Online
Mexico Not At Risk of Becoming Failed State, According to Blair
Despite the rampant drug violence occurring in Mexico these days, new DNI Blair said last week in a press conference that the country is in no danger of becoming a failed state. He also said that “the violence is the result of Mexico taking action against the drug cartels. So it is, in fact, the result of positive news.” Read more here.
Ramping Up Intelligence Operations in Afghanistan
Blair also discussed how the U.S. needs to improve overall intelligence operations in Afghanistan. He told reporters the United States lacks a deep understanding of local power structures in Afghanistan and of the militants operating along that nation’s border with Pakistan.
California Creates Geospatial Information Officer Position, Ramps Up GIS Data for Roads and Landmarks
Surely this is a sign that the states are seeing great value in using geospatial solutions/GIS data, the state of California just created a new position called the “Geospatial Information Officer,” and it is planning on creating a common set of GIS data for all roads and landmarks in the state. Read more here.
Happy Monday. And be sure to update your anti-virus software!
Tags: 103 Computers Infected, 60 Minutes, California, Dennis Blair, GEOINT, Geospatial Information Officer, GhostNet, Intelligence Community, Internet is Infected
If all of these system are infected then obviously anti-virus software isn’t worth a plugged nickel. You can’t automate a solution to the problem. It is too complex. If you care, you need humans to actively monitor systems for signs of intrusion. You also need to make sure workers understand the behaviors that enable most security violations and evaluate them based on adherence to policies meant to prevent those violations.