Jaime Chanaga, CISSP, CISA

Government Information Security Accountability

Government Executive magazine reported on October 2 (Article: http://www.govexec.com/dailyfed/1006/100206p1.htm), that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has not taken action to secure laptop computers that hold sensitive and classified information.  Not too long ago, we read news stories of data loss on laptop computers from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs that potentially affected the privacy of over 26.5 million veterans.

The Federal government must do more to secure the information it has been entrusted with. There is no excuse for any business or federal agency for not securing their information systems, including laptop computers. 

Today we have many resources, some at very low costs, that allow any organization to secure its systems and information. It is time for all organizations, public and private to act responsibly and protect its information, systems, and people.

I strongly urge executive leaders in federal service, to please reach out to private industry for help.  Private industry is ready to help organizations secure their people, information, and systems.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month

The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), has announced the launch of National Cyber Security Awareness Month in October 2006.  You can read more about their press release at:

http://www.staysafeonline.info/news/ncsam06leadrelease.html

About The National Cyber Security Alliance

A not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) is a central clearinghouse for cyber security awareness and education for home users, small businesses, and the education community. A public-private partnership, NCSA sponsors include the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Trade Commission, and many private-sector corporations and organizations. For more information, and to review the top 8 cyber security practices, visit www.staysafeonline.org.