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Security Flaws Could Cripple Defense Network

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the good-enough-for-government-work dept.

userexec wrote to mention an FCW.com article about the uninspiring future for the Missile Defense System's software. The developers are apparently very worried about poor information security on the project. From the article: "The report said that neither MDA nor Boeing officials saw the need to install a system to conduct automated log audits on unencrypted communications and monitoring systems. Even though current DOD policies require such automated network monitoring, such a requirement 'was not in the contract.' The network, which was also developed to conform to more than 20-year-old DOD security policies rather than more recent guidelines, lacks a comprehensive user account management process, the report said. Neither MDA nor Boeing conducted required Information Assurance (IA) training for users before they were granted access to the network, the report stated. "

6 of 137 comments (clear)

  1. Let me take guess.... by simp · · Score: 5, Funny

    The subcontractor they hired to do the programming was called Diebold?

  2. And sooner or later... by Tuxedo+Jack · · Score: 4, Funny

    We'll no doubt see "All your missile base are belong to us" written on the system's password file.

    --

    Striking fear in the authors of godawful fanfiction, I am here, appearing in darkness, Tuxedo Jack!
  3. Idea by KenDodd · · Score: 5, Funny

    Why not contract an Indian company to write it? Or make it a Sourceforge project. That always seem to generate high-calibre, error-free code.

    --
    Did you know my dad's dog died?
  4. Re:I am not suprised! by rolfwind · · Score: 4, Informative

    You forgot over $8 TRILLION in public debt - $30,000 for EVERY man, woman, and child in the US.

  5. Not to worry... by ipsuid · · Score: 4, Funny

    We'll just make talking about DOD security flaws illegal in Patriot Act 3 and then nobody will know.

    --
    It appears Ockham lost his razor and grew a beard.
  6. Re:It's always a waste of money, until it works... by John+Newman · · Score: 4, Interesting
    And the thousands of American scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff that design and work on these systems. Based on comments like this, you'd think that the government is stuffing shells full of cash and launching them at the enemy. Where do you think these "weapon systems" are designed and built?
    True, but one can argue that at least a few of those scientists, engineers, technicians and support staff who are on the government dole building weapons could be better put to use creating new energy sources, curing diseases, advancing our understanding of the universe, etc. Every engineer employed by federal money to study a cutting-edge aspect of missle-defense mechanics is one fewer biologist or doctor funded by federal money to cure cancer. And right now there are many, many more of the former than the latter. Yeah, in a perfect world we'd fund both. But the reality is that defense spending is still booming while the NIH budget (barely a rounding error on the DoD budget anyway) is actually shinking in real terms.