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U.S. Govt. Offers Computer Security Alerts By E-mail

Posted by timothy on from the public-sector-v.-public-menace dept.

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.'"

5 of 38 comments (clear)

  1. The site by macx666 · · Score: 3, Informative

    None of those seem to provide a link to the US-Cert site that has the link, so here:

    US Cert

  2. I wonder what's worse? by HawkPilot · · Score: 4, Insightful

    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.

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  3. Dont' do it! by SpaceLifeForm · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Eventually, you will just get more spam.

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    You are being MICROattacked, from various angles, in a SOFT manner.
  4. Feh by the+Man+in+Black · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

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    El riesgo vive siempre!
  5. CERT Advisory List by daeley · · Score: 3, Informative
    There was a notice sent out today on the CERT Advisories list that talks about a new cooperative effort between them and the DHS. Excerpt:

    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.

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    I watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhauser gate.