NSA and Homeland Security in Turf War Over Cybersecurity

Seems that NSA and DHS are having a turf war over cybersecurity...let me end it. Why should we let Secretary Napolitano and the Department of Homeland Security handle cyber security when they cannot even properly find and deport Illegal Aliens? Maybe she should have her staff spend some more time remembering that their job is...can anyone say "WORK PLACE ENFORCEMENT RAIDS BIATCH!"

March 11, 2009

The battle over cybersecurity

Posted: 11:59 AM ET http://blog.wired.com/defense/

Rod Beckstrom, head of the NCSC, resigned last week.

There’s a bureaucratic wrestling match going on over which piece of the federal government will get to handle cybersecurity.

Here’s the gist, gleaned from Wired and Forbes‘ coverage: On one side of the ring, there’s the National Security Administration, which is known for its extreme secrecy and its program to wiretap phone conversations of Americans.

On the other, there’s the Department of Homeland Security, which now manages computer security. The head of the department’s computer security branch resigned last week, complaining that the NSA is trying to steal control of the program.

In his resignation letter to the Department of Homeland Security and in an interview with Forbes on Monday, Rod Beckstrom said consolidating the cybersecurity program under the NSA would put too much power in one agency’s hands. Privacy groups are concerned about the NSA taking over the program because of how it handled secret wiretaps of phone conversations.

Google...Looking at Terrorist Looking At You

Setting aside the disturbing thought that our government spy agencies are buying their goods from GOOGLE and other such mapping companies, I'll comment on the meat of this article..it is more than disturbing to think that Terrorists are capable (for a few bucks) to have the same detailed views of our American cities that our CIA, FBI and NSA can have of terrorist hide aways. But then, OBama isn't even concerned about securing our Southern Border with Mexico, seems content to let 12-25 Million illegal alien malcontents to stay in America, grant them Amnesty agains the will of the people, so does it REALLY MATTER?

Google Earth Helps and Worries Government

Photos Captured By Government Satellites Now Accessible On Internet

BY PETER EISLER, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON

The secretive National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is rushing to get the latest, high-definition satellite photos of Afghanistan into the hands of U.S. ground troops as they ramp up operations in the country's tangled terrain.

The NGA analysts aren't tapping the government's huge network of highly classified spy satellites; they're getting the pictures from commercial vendors. That's the same stuff pretty much anyone can get, either through free, online programs, such as Google Earth, or by buying it from the same companies supplying Uncle Sam.

It's a remarkable turn, given the warnings that security experts in the USA and worldwide raised a few years ago about giving the entire planet — terrorists and rogue states included — access to high-resolution satellite photos once available only to superpowers.

Shaking Head...You Really Have To Wonder

We have all heard the stupid crook studies...how about STUPID Anti Terrorist Experts? Not sure this is a story I would have wanted in the news, let alone having it appear on the National Terrorist Alert web site. DUH...let's leave a highly valuable hand held computer with SENSITIVE information right out in the open, leave the window up and LEAVE THE ROOM!

Palmtop Computer Stolen From Open Window In M15 Hideout

Submitted by national on Friday, 3 October 2008No Comment

A burglar who climbed into the property in Greater Manchester on Sunday night got away with the terminal which contained highly sensitive information about national security.

The house was being rented by the national intelligence service but the device was encrypted, so a security breach is thought unlikely.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: “Shortly after 11.20pm police Sunday 28th September were called to a house in Greater Manchester, following reports of a burglary.

“An encrypted handheld computer was stolen. It is believed the offender entered through an open window. Inquiries are ongoing.”

He asked anyone who was offered the stolen property to hand it in to the nearest police station. Police sources told Times Online that it is believed to be an opportunistic rather than targeted burglary.
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