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U.S. Govt. Offers Computer Security Alerts By E-mail
SilentSage writes "The U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security is offering e-mail alerts on major virus outbreaks and other Internet attacks. The article found here says 'Anyone who signs up with the new National Cyber Alert System will receive e-mails about major virus outbreaks and other Internet attacks as they occur, along with detailed instructions to help computer users protect themselves.'"
None of those seem to provide a link to the US-Cert site that has the link, so here:
US Cert
I wonder what's worse, The internet traffic that the virus or worm generates or the email advisories.
I still get emails saying that if I get a message with such-and-such in the subject to delete the email immeadiatly. And I get these from well meaning friends and family. Imagine how many of these alerts will be forwarded on because they have the authority of the Homeland Security Department behind it.
You have 5 Moderator Points! Use 'em or lose 'em! They will expire before any good stories are posted.
Eventually, you will just get more spam.
You are being MICROattacked, from various angles, in a SOFT manner.
I give it a week before someone spoofs one of these e-mails and uses it to propagate a tasty new kind of e-mail virus.
But then, I'm a cynic.
El riesgo vive siempre!
How long before there are spams that LOOK like these official notices, with "click here to get rid of virus" links that go to those Norton Antivirus sales scams?
How long before the first one with a return address of "Tom Rigde" arrives in your inbox.
Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
Considering the US government probably outsources most of this type of work
Now, if only it were outsourced to Finland:
"SECURITY ALERT - Your computer is running Windows. You are advised to upgrade to a version of Linux immediately. Sincerely, Linus."
Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
As many of you are aware, a few months ago the CERT Coordination Center
(CERT/CC) announced a new partnership with the Department of Homeland
Security's National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) to form a response
system for our nation and the Internet infrastructure. While this new
partnership, known as US-CERT, has been low key, we have been working
aggressively to upgrade our capabilities.
We are pleased to announce significant changes to CERT Advisories that
will not only maintain the accuracy and fairness that are the hallmarks of
CERT Advisories, but will also provide more information about more topics
than before. Beginning January 28, 2004, CERT Advisories will become a
core component of US-CERT's Technical Cyber Security Alerts. Significant
changes behind the scenes will allow us to provide additional content, in
a more timely fashion, to a larger audience.
My understanding based on the email is that there will be three lists: two for non-technical users (alerts and tips), and one for tech/security professionals. If you are already subscribed to the CERT Advisories list, apparently you will be automatically added to that last one, which is called "Cyber Security Bulletins" and will be biweekly.
I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate.
... and why should I trust what they say? My prior experience with the NIPC was that they were way behind the learning curve as well as any useful time frame? Can someone point out some independent evidence saying it's worth my time to listen to these people? I'm sure their own site says so, but if I read that there I'd probably just laugh.
Cynical? If that's what you want to call it. I call it ex-federal employee.
"I may be synthetic, but I'm not stupid." -- Bishop 341-B
5 New Messages:
{Virus} Hello
{Virus} TEST
{Virus} hi
{Virus} Hello
Homeland Security Warning: New Virus Spreading
Ceci n'est pas une signature.
SECURITY ALERT:We have been receiving unspecified reports of increased virus activity on the Internet. We are advising that all recipients maintain a Mauve state of alert.
Please stay alert for updates as more detailed information becomes available. Be aware that we may decide to raise the alert level to Chartreuse.
Please enable Active X, Java scripting, non-encrypted forms, and form redirection and click here for detailed information on the Mauve and Chartreuse Alert Levels.
In compliance with Act S.877 please click here to remove yourself from our mailing list.
This email best viewed in Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express.
Operator, give me the number for 911!