Feds urge secrecy over network outages

Feds urge secrecy over network outages
Kevin Poulsen, SecurityFocus 2004-06-23

Giving the public too many details about significant network service outages could present cyberterrorists with a "virtual road map" to targeting critical infrastructures, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which this month urged regulators to keep such information secret.

Colapse all | Post comment

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-24
Anonymous

Isn't this just a variation of the disclosure

discussion we usually have regarding cyber vulnerabilities?

Detect a problem, give a chance for remediation, then disclose?

...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-24
Anonymous

I think it's a bad idea too.

Maybe not as radically stupid as jamming the cellular frequencies, but similar in its potential to do more harm than good.

Thanks for writing about this, Kevin. I believe it's time to deliver another clue about security-through-obscurity to DHS, and quick......

[ more ] [ reply ]

Why it a Bad Thing not to allow public scrutiny 2004-06-25
Anonymous (1 replies)

This is exactly how things like Chernobyl come about - when the public no longer has information on Quality of Service it can not rein in special interest groups but must rely on biased civil servants for its security, real-world or not. I don't want an administration like the current to have any sa...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Why it a Bad Thing not to allow public scrutiny 2004-06-25
Coldman

The difference is... That bad guys always have more channels and possibilities to get an information, while good guys (and anyone who is not bad) - do not...

So those precautions won't work at all.

...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-25
Anonymous (1 replies)

This law could lead to some interesting conversations with customer support.

"Hello? I'm having a problem with my Internet connection. I've checked everything. Are you guys having a problem?"

"No... everything is, uh, fine. Nothing wrong here."

"Then the problem is on my side?"

"Uh, ...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-25
Anonymous

Another glorious attempt by the US Gov to hide any flaws in the rock solid foundation that is America.

pfffft. Open it up and let it get fixed! Don't hide it. If you can disclose an outage and have a way to fix it, Why are you worried about it, because the public will find out the infrastruct...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-26
Anonymous

Those that choose security over freedom,

will end with neither and do not deserve either....

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-27
PatriotAct!=civil-liberty

Maybe I'm wrong here but to what extent would a "Al-Qiada"-esque terrorist threat model extend about service outage? I mean sure it would take down some communications if done on a grand scale which would have its ripple effects but not enough to declare secrecy of all outages.

I like to read be...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-28
Anonymous

Are we becoming the USSA...The United Socialist States of America? Am I the only one that thinks this is just ridiculous? Terrorism is real, but so is our life. Democracy, and its freedom require RESPONSIBILITY from the citizens of it. This means a mitigated risk is required from all of us, in orde...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-06-28
Anonymous

Does the Department of Homeland Security believe it is serving the public when a causal level of activity or outages remains undisclosed? What about the economic impact of outages to those affected. What about the poor schmuck that has to tell his or her boss 'I don't know why it's not work!'.

It...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-07-02
Anonymous

It appears increasingly obvious that government proposals need to be treated with severe suspicion.

This specific proposal is another that will serve to incrementally advance the arise of an American surveillance/police state.

Somehow in a most peaceful and wise utilization of power fashion,...

[ more ] [ reply ]

Feds urge secrecy over network outages 2004-07-04
lab subject #D4087932

Of course they 'urge secrecy' over information. Their mantra is:

Go back to sleep, sheep

and we will maintain the illusion,

a goodnights dream.

(actually thats a haiku, but you aren't supposed to notice. Now go pay your taxes like the good little sheeps you all are...)...

[ more ] [ reply ]