Don't Fumble the Football

Recently, INSA (Intelligence and National Security Alliance) had their computer systems hacked with a list of 3,000 members’ names and information being posted on Cryptome.org an anti-secrecy website. “The list of INSA members includes at least 95 individuals with email addresses from the supersecret National Security Agency, as well as scores of others in key positions at the White House, the Pentagon, FBI, CIA, the Office of Director of National Intelligence and the State Department.” INSA has stated “key economic and national security assets are exposed to significant threats.”  With information like this exposed to the world, it makes these operatives and covert agents easy targets.  “Some members, whose affiliations were not provided, had their home addresses and phone numbers listed.” 

The INSA is supposed to be our countries “premier intelligence and national security organization”.  So it’s concerning that they recently published a “major report (PDF) warning of an urgent need for the country to beef up its cyberdefenses.” (MSNBC).  Kim Jong-Il told his military a few years back, “Modern war is electronic warfare. Victory or defeat in a modern war depends on how to carry out electronic warfare.”  Electronic security is a serious global concern. 

I guess it makes sense that our presidents get their critical information hand delivered to them in order to keep the information safe.  When away from the White House, they even bring a brief case called the “football” that contains all their nuclear codes and classified locations, which are all written down on paper.  After this INSA hack it seems best to keep some things, old school, and off the digital radar wouldn’t you agree.

If you'd like to read more, check out the following link Intel officials' emails posted after hack of cybersecurity group