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Department of Defense Now Blocking HTML Email

oKAMi-InfoSec writes "The Department of Defense (DoD) has taken the step of blocking HTML-based email. They are also banning the use of Outlook Web Access email clients. The DoD is making this move because HTML messages can easily be infected with spyware and executable lines of code that enable hackers to access DoD networks, according to an article in Federal Computer Week by Bob Brewin . A spokesman for the Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations (JTF-GNO) claims that this is a response to an increased network threat condition. The network threat condition has risen from Information Condition 5 to Information Condition 4 (also called Infocon 4). InfoCon 5 is normal operating conditions and Infocon 4 comes as a result of 'continuing and sophisticated threats' against DoD Networks. The change to Infocon 4 came in mid-November, after the Naval War College suffered devastating attacks that required their entire system be taken offline, but the JTF-GNO spokesman claims there is no connection."

1 of 262 comments (clear)

  1. Back to EMail as communication not art. by aauu · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    Way too much email formatting is pointless and does not enhance communication. Links work fine in plain text and images/complexly formatted data can be attached. This is a giant leap forward. Does anyone have MUTT client for windows?

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    When I was young, I had to rub sticks together to compute.