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Unveiling A National Cyber Alert System
The National Cyber Security Division (NCSD) of the Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) 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.”
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 (US-CERT),
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 technical and easy to understand information
on a timely basis.
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.
Sign up at www.us-cert.gov/cas.
• Cyber Security Bulletins: Targeted at technical audiences, Bulletins
provide bi-weekly summaries of security issues, new vulnerabilities, potential
impact,
patches and work-arounds, as well as actions required to mitigate risk. Sign
up at www.us-cert.gov/cas.
• 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. Sign up at www.us-cert.gov/cas.
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.
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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