Extent of Government Computers Infected By Bots Uncertain

Krishna Dagli writes to mention findings by the company Trend Micro on the extent of bot infection in U.S. Government computers. The article by Information Week indicates that, while the 'original' findings were much harsher, the security vendor has since backed down from some of its claims. Still, the extent to which information-stealing software has penetrated our national infrastructure is enough to take note. From the article: "While it may be tempting to discount the warnings of security vendors as self serving--bot fever means more business for Trend Micro--there's unanimity about the growing risk of cybercrime. In its list of the top 10 computer security developments to watch for in 2007, released last week, the SANS Institute warns that targeted attacks will become more prevalent, particularly against government agencies. 'Targeted cyber attacks by nation states against U.S. government systems over the past three years have been enormously successful, demonstrating the failure of federal cyber security activities,' SANS director of research Alan Paller says in an e-mail. 'Other antagonistic nations and terrorist groups, aware of the vulnerabilities, will radically expand the number of attacks.'"

Comments

Had Enough?

[Doc Ruby]

Five years of George "The Genius" Bush protecting us. Revamped all our security into "Homeland Security", reorganized all our intelligence systems, got a Republican Congress to do whatever he wanted. Now we're starting to see how rampant insecurity has rotted his huge government from the inside.

Feel safer?

Vote to fire or keep your Representative on TUE November 7, 2006 (one month from tomorrow). Odds are you'll have the choice to fire one of your Senators. Reformatting the White House will probably take another couple of years, when its automatic reboot timer expires.