GSA pilot program revolutionizes the personal office, Malware now spreads mostly through tainted websites and more

By Ryan Kamauff

Here are the top cyber news and stories of the day.

• GSA pilot program revolutionizes the personal office – The GSA is using hoteling to allow employees to reserve office space when they need it. Users can reserve conference rooms, cubicles or group work spaces. GSA is implementing hoteling to maximize the usage rate of their office space. These agile developments to minimize wasted funds will help GSA deal with shrinking budgets. Via FedScoop, more here.
• Tag team: Jihadis, hackers join forces to launch cyberattacks on United States – “Middle East- and North Africa-based criminal hackers are preparing cyberattacks this week against the websites of high-profile U.S. government agencies, banks and other companies, according to the Department of Homeland Security.” DHS is warning that attacks may begin today, in the name of Anonymous. The intent is to disrupt US website functionality. The partnering of criminals and terrorists is not a good omen for the US. Via Washington Times, more here.
• Malware now spreads mostly through tainted websites – “But fresh research findings from firewall vendor Palo Alto Networks revealing that the vast majority of malware seeping into company networks arrives via drive-by download.” Infected websites query the visiting machines and identify the best equipped malware for their systems. Adversaries are finding web servers an easier target than individual machines. Via The Daily Record, more here.
• Veterans Affairs awards contract for new HR system – The VA has awareded IBM $123M over ten years to replace its 50 year old HR application. They will be moving to a software-as-a-service model. “Under the contract, IBM will build, operate and maintain the new system that will be deployed across the enterprise and allow VA to better manage its workforce. The system will provide enhancements such as new self-service options for VA managers and employees, IBM said.” Via FedScoop, more here.

• Pentagon nod shows Android can be as secure as BlackBerry – “By giving the OK for the U.S. government and military to use Android devices with Samsung’s security platform, the Pentagon has confirmed that Google’s operating system can be locked down as well as the BlackBerry OS, once considered the gold standard in mobile security.” This is a huge step forward for Android devices and government smartphones in general. Instead of being tied to a single platform, options are available. Additionally, app developers will be able to develop applications both for DoD and the public. Via ComputerWorld, more here.

• McAfee acquires network security firm Stonesoft for $389M in enterprise push – “The acquisition will help bolster McAfee’s position in network security, which could be a further in-road to the enterprise where such solutions are absolutely vital. It also gives Intel a lucrative side project away from the ailing PC market.” Stonesoft develops software aimed at “simplifying network security.” McAfee is clearly positioning for a more holistic enterprise solution as opposed to their current endpoint focus. Via ZDNet, more here.
• Evernote Says Cyber Breach Which Cost Millions Wasn’t From China – Evernote’s March attacks seem to have come from identity-theft groups, according to their CEO. Evernote is still growing faster than ever, with 100k new users daily. Via Bloomberg, more here.
• DoD forming information operations executive steering group – “The Defense Department will form an information operations executive steering group to better streamline IO, or the mechanisms the department uses to integrate and implement information-related capabilities during military operations, says a May 2 DoD directive.” This committee is designed to help provide the DoD with some clear guidance for information operations. Via FierceGovernmentIT, more here.
• Google left heating, cooling system open to hackers – “Hackers could have turned up the heat in one of Google’s offices in Sydney. Literally. Computer security researchers with Cylance found that Google’s Australia branch was using an unpatched version of Niagara, a software system used for managing control systems in buildings.” Data Center operations require incredibly precise temperature management, and leaving them open to hackers is dangerous. Via ComputerWorld, more here.

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