U.S.
Department of Homeland Security Improves America’s
Cyber Security Preparedness – Unveils National Cyber
Alert System
Press Release U.S.
Department of Homeland Security
Contact:
Donald Tighe (202) 282-8010,
donald.tighe@dhs.gov
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Improves America’s
Cyber Security
Designed for both Home Computer Users and Security Professionals,
Advisory
Information Arms Users to Take a Proactive Role in Securing
Cyberspace
Washington, DC – January 28, 2004 –The
National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of
the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today unveiled the
National Cyber Alert
System, an operational system delivering to Americans timely
and actionable information
to better secure their computer systems.
As part of this program, Homeland Security is making available
a series of information
products targeted for home users and technical experts in businesses
and government
agencies. These e-mail products will provide timely information
on computer security
vulnerabilities, potential impact, and action required to mitigate
threats, as well as PC
security “best practices” and “how to” guidance.
“
The President’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace
provides a framework for the
public and private sectors to work together to secure cyberspace,” said
Frank Libutti,
Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Information Analysis
and Infrastructure Protection. “The National Cyber Security Division’s
mission is to serve as a focal point
for implementing the National Strategy and protecting the American
People.”
“
The development and initial operating capability of the National
Cyber Alert System
elevates awareness and helps improve America’s IT security
posture,” said Amit Yoran,
director of the National Cyber Security Division. “We
are focused on making the threats
and recommended actions easier for all computer users to understand,
prioritize, and act
upon. We recognize the importance and urgency of our mission
and are taking action.”
Homeland Security National Cyber Alert System
This new National Cyber Alert System is America’s first
coordinated national cyber
security system for identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing
emerging vulnerabilities and
threats. Managed by the United States Computer Emergency Readiness
Team (USCERT),
a partnership between NCSD and the private sector, the National
Cyber Alert
System provides the first infrastructure for relaying graded
computer security update and
warning information to all users.
The system evolves previous framework models such as CERT/CC
Advisories and other
similar efforts in the private sector. It provides actionable
information to empower all
citizens (from computer security professionals to home computer
users with basic skills)
to better secure their portion of cyberspace. The National Cyber
Alert System provides
credible and timely information on cyber security issues and
allows DHS to provide both
technical and easy to understand information on a timely basis.
What is Offered? How Do Users Subscribe?
The new National Cyber Alert System security suite of products
includes:
- Cyber
Security Tips: Targeted at non-technical home
and corporate computer
users, the bi-weekly Tips provide information
on best
computer security practices
and “how-to” information.
How to Access: Sign up at http://www.us-cert.gov
- Cyber
Security Bulletins: Targeted at technical audiences,
Bulletins provide biweekly
summaries of security issues, new vulnerabilities, potential
impact,
patches and work-arounds, as well as actions required to
mitigate risk.
How to Access: Sign up at http://www.us-cert.gov
- Cyber
Security Alerts: Available in two forms – regular
for non-technical users
and advanced for technical users – Cyber Security Alerts
provide real-time
information about security issues, vulnerabilities, and exploits
currently
occurring. Alerts encourage all users to take rapid action.
How to Access: Sign up at http://www.us-cert.gov
All information products are available
on a free subscription basis and are delivered
via
push e-mail. Home users can also access Cyber Security Tips
and Cyber Security Alerts
from US-CERT affiliates including StaySafe Online (www.staysafeonline.info).
About the National Cyber Security Division
The National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) is part of Information
Analysis and
Infrastructure Protection in the Department of Homeland Security.
NCSD is charged
with coordinating the implementation of the National Strategy
to Secure Cyberspace and
serves as the single National point of contact for the public
and private sector regarding
cyber security issues. NCSD is also charged with identifying,
analyzing, and reducing
cyber threats and vulnerabilities; disseminating threat warning
information; coordinating
incident response; and providing technical assistance in continuity
of operations and
recovery planning. NCSD’s US-CERT serves as a focal point – bridging
public and
private sector institutions – to advance computer security
preparedness and response.
For more information visit www.us-cert.gov.
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