Posted by Mark Weatherford, Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity

Last weekend I had the privilege of attending the National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition (NCCDC) in San Antonio, Texas. The Department of Homeland Security is proud to be one of the sponsors of this competition that took place over the course of three days and focused on the operational aspects of securing and defending a “commercial” network infrastructure.

Over the past year, 1,300 students from more than 100 schools around the country competed in state qualifiers and regional finals to represent their academic institutions in the world’s largest collegiate cyber defense competition. This past weekend, the eighty finalists pitted their knowledge, skills, and abilities in network defense against an elite group of professional “pentesters” or Red Team cyber-attackers. The scenarios allowed for the 10 teams of eight to defend identically configured “small business” networks supporting 50+ users with 7-10 servers. Teams were scored by a computerized engine on their ability to detect and respond to Red Team attacks, while maintaining availability of existing network services and business applications and also responding to common user requests for things like password changes and new services.

Watching these students compete against an aggressive Red Team who used every cyber-technique in their arsenal including strategic attacks, social engineering, and advance persistent threats was incredibly impressive and gives me great hope for the future of the cybersecurity workforce.

After the second day of competition, NCCDC held a recruiting event where students engaged with business executives and government officials to discuss a myriad of security and operational challenges they’ll face when entering the job market. As companies and government organizations competed for the students’ attention, it was clear that the industry and government representatives were just as excited as the students because we had the great fortune to see how skilled, ambitious, and qualified these young aspiring cyber professionals are. As recruiters vied for the students’ interest, I kept thinking how cool it is to be a geek!

I congratulate the sponsors of the NCCDC for hosting such a relevant exercise, and for providing a spectacular opportunity for future professionals of the cyber workforce and organizations alike. I’d like to congratulate the future of our nation’s cybersecurity workforce and the winners of the 2012 NCCDC:

First Place (2 Time National Champion) – University of Washington
Second Place – United States Air Force Academy
Third Place – Texas A&M University


Congratulations as well to the 2012 Regional winners:

At-Large: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Rocky Mountain: United States Air Force Academy
Southeast: UNC Charlotte
Northeast: Rochester Institute of Technology
Southwest: Texas A&M University
Mid-Atlantic: Towson University
Midwest: St. Cloud State University
North Central: University of Wyoming
Western: Cal Poly Pomona
Pacific Rim: University of Washington


For information on pursuing a career in cybersecurity at DHS, visit here.

By Mark Weatherford, Deputy Under Secretary for Cybersecurity

DHS today announced the appointment of Michael W. Locatis III as the new Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C) at the National Protection and Programs Directorate. Mike brings a wealth of experience in information management, cybersecurity and public safety communications at all levels of government. In his new role, Mike will work collaboratively with public, private and international partners to ensure a safe and secure cyberspace with a focus on protecting federal and critical infrastructure networks. Mike and his team will also coordinate and provide support for a resilient communications system for federal, state, local, tribal and territorial governments and critical infrastructure personnel.

Mike comes to DHS from the Department of Energy (DOE), where he served as Chief Information Officer and led the development of the DOE Joint Cybersecurity Coordination Center (JC3), which applies a proactive approach to risk management and improves situational awareness, incident management and cross-agency collaboration. He also brings the unique experience of having served in leadership positions at the federal, state and local levels of government as well as the private sector.

Mike replaces Greg Schaffer as Assistant Secretary for CS&C. Bobbie Stempfley, who has served admirably in the interim as Acting Assistant Secretary, will return to her role as Deputy Assistant Secretary.

Posted by the Office of Public Affairs

On March 29, 2012, the United States Secret Service arrested and charged a Washington, D.C. man as a felon in possession of a firearm after he attempted to trade counterfeit cash for a gun. In addition, he was charged with possession, manufacturing, and the sale of counterfeit currency.

In 1998, John Dolphus Ford, Jr. was convicted of a felony narcotics charge, and now faces up to 10 years in prison. The Secret Service began investigating Ford after it was discovered that he was involved in a scheme to make and sell counterfeit bills in the Washington, D.C. area.

This is just one of many examples of the Secret Service’s success in protecting the worldwide integrity of U.S. currency. In FY 2011, the Secret Service made 2,673 domestic arrests and 280 foreign arrests for counterfeiting offenses, seized over $70 million of counterfeit currency before it entered public circulation and helped to remove more than $115 million in counterfeit U.S. currency from circulation. All these efforts together resulted in the prevention of $5.6 billion in potential losses.

The agency continues to adapt to the trends in counterfeiting, which have been influenced in recent years by computer-based technologies. The widespread use of personal computers and advancements in digital printing technology has provided more individuals the opportunity to manufacture a passable counterfeit note with relative ease. Approximately 61% of the counterfeit currency passed domestically in FY 2011 was produced using digital printing means, compared with less than 1% in FY 1995.

The Secret Service’s approach to protecting U.S. currency includes working jointly with domestic and international law enforcement partners as well as conducting aggressive investigations that identify the source of the illicit production of counterfeit in order to minimize its collective economic impact.

Established as a law enforcement agency in 1865 to investigate and prevent counterfeiting, the Secret Service’s primary investigative mission continues to be safeguarding the payment and financial systems of the United States. The agency has evolved from enforcing counterfeiting laws that preserve the integrity of U.S. currency, coin and financial obligations to include a wide range of financial and computer-based crimes.

Posted by Tamara Kessler, Acting Officer for the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties

At DHS, we recognize the importance of being able to communicate effectively with individuals across our many missions and functions.  That’s why I’m proud to announce that DHS has published its first-ever Language Access Plan to address the language needs of persons with limited English proficiency (LEP). 

This LEP Plan provides a framework for the Department to improve our delivery of language services for diverse communities across the country, demonstrating our commitment to providing meaningful access to DHS programs and activities.   This commitment starts with the establishment of a new policy for DHS to provide meaningful access for LEP individuals by providing quality language assistance services in a timely manner.

The release of the LEP Plan is the culmination of a year-long Department-wide effort to improve language access, as required by Executive Order 13166.  In leading this effort, the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL) collaborated with DHS Components,  engaged and received feedback from community stakeholders and federal partners through our regular roundtables across the country, and held listening sessions with representatives of non-governmental organizations who provided valuable insight on areas for improvement and innovative methods for providing language access.

As a result of this planning effort, DHS is advancing language access and has launched initiatives to increase efficiencies and improve the quality of language services across DHS.  For example:

• DHS is translating various materials and information in more languages, increasing employee awareness about obtaining language services, increasing the use of interpreters, and engaging more often with communities in languages other than English.
• Secretary Napolitano’s Efficiency Review team launched a review to identify cost savings  and efficiencies in the procurement of interpretation and language services; and
• DHS established a Language Access Working Group, chaired by the Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, to coordinate implementation of the LEP plan.

Here at CRCL, we have been working hard to improve access to our own programs.  For example, we have translated our civil rights and civil liberties complaint form and detailed instructions on how to file a complaint in nine languages, and offer translated versions of other public materials and documents in a variety of languages. 

In addition, CRCL created “I Speak” tools – a poster and pocket guide for DHS employees and law enforcement that provides a visual illustration of 75 languages.  These tools allow DHS personnel and law enforcement to readily identify the language spoken by people they encounter in their day-to-day duties, and utilize language resources to better communicate with and serve those individuals.  Several Components across DHS are now integrating “I Speak” tools into their daily operations. 

• CBP requires that all Border Patrol Agents and CBP Officers working along the Southwest border speak functional Spanish.
• FEMA provides written materials in multiple languages for disaster survivors, offers numerous non-English websites (such as www.fema.gov/esp and http://www.listo.gov/) and trains Disaster Assistance Employees to identify and address language needs in impacted areas.
• USCIS provides information on immigration and naturalization in multiple languages.

We are proud of the work we’ve done thus far to address the critical language needs of our country’s diverse landscape.  CRCL will continue to support the Department’s goal to ensure that all individuals can meaningfully participate in DHS programs and activities.
 
Read the DHS Language Access Plan and the Guidance on Limited English Proficiency for DHS Recipients.
 

Posted by Stop. Think. Connect.

While the tricks and jokes exchanged online are often innocent and fun, there are individuals lurking online who want to trick you into handing over your personal information.

Cybercriminals often rely on social engineering to trick people into installing malware with scams for free products, offers for pirated entertainment, or “never before seen” footage or photos that spark a fan’s curiosity. Clicking on one of these links makes it easy for criminals to steal your identity and passwords.

According to a recent report, the fan craze created by the film The Hunger Games has created the perfect opportunity for devious cybercriminals to take advantage of Internet users. While clicking on a link may seem innocent enough, it can actually infect your computer, phone, or tablet without you even knowing what happened.

Protect yourself and help stop the spread of malware by following these simple tips:

• Be extremely cautious when accessing or downloading content; if something is too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Do not trust a site if it doesn’t appear legitimate or you don’t know where the online content is coming from.
• Protect your computer by installing and keeping your anti-virus software up-to-date.

If your computer has been infected, follow these important steps:

• If you are at work and have access to an IT department, contact them immediately.
• If you are on your home computer or a laptop, disconnect from the Internet.
• If the anti-virus software can’t locate or remove the infection, you may need to reinstall your operating system.

Visit www.us-cert.gov for more information, tips and resources on malware, spyware, and phishing.

To learn basic Internet safety tips on how to protect yourself and your family, visit www.dhs.gov/stopthinkconnect.

Posted by LT Connie Braesch, USCG

Perhaps there is no better way to close out Women’s History Month than by welcoming the Coast Guard’s newest cutter – a cutter honoring the legacy of Capt. Dorothy Stratton.

First Lady Michelle Obama poses for a group photo with the crew of the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton before the ship's commissioning ceremony in Alameda, Calif., March 31, 2012. Obama is the official sponsor of Stratton and is the first First Lady to sponsor a Coast Guard cutter. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Earning the title “Coast Guard Cutter,” today marked the beginning of the Legend-class cutter’s 30-year service to our nation. It will no doubt carry with it Capt. Stratton’s legacy along with the Coast Guard’s rich history of maritime service on its 418 feet of cutting-edge and technically advanced capabilities.

Coast Guard Cutter Stratton was honored to have First Lady Michelle Obama, the ship’s sponsor, welcome it into service. With her name carved into the keel, Obama participated in the commissioning ceremony – placing the cutter into active service and ceremonially giving the order to bring the ship to life. All the more fitting way to end a month spent celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of women to our nation.

“No matter what this country asks of you, you always step up to answer the call,” said Obama to the Coast Guard men and women attending the commissioning ceremony. “Always. So it is fitting that all of you are here today, because it is that ethic of service that defined the life of this cutter’s namesake, Capt. Dorothy Stratton.”

As Capt. Stratton did 70 years ago for women, Cutter Stratton will do for the Coast Guard’s operational future.

Recapitalizing the fleet ensures the service’s ability to meet current and future operational requirements and safeguard U.S. national interests. Assets like the national security cutter and fast response cutter enable the nation’s maritime defenders to deliver vital services to the American public as well as execute the Coast Guard’s missions safely, reliably and effectively for decades to come.

Commanded by Capt. Charles Cashin, Stratton – following the proven success of its fellow national security cutters Bertholf and Waesche - will capitalize on its mission flexibility, range, speed and ability to operate in extreme weather to conduct drug interdiction, homeland security operations, domestic fisheries protection and search and rescue at great distances from shore.

“Stratton will allow us to continue to answer the call, and remain Semper Paratus, always ready, well into our third century of service to the nation,” said Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Bob Papp. “Stratton is a national asset designed and equipped to provide persistent presence at sea to detect and interdict maritime threats far from our shores and ensure our nation’s economic success.”

Capt. Charles Cashin takes First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters on a tour of Stratton March 31, 2012. As the third national security cutter, Stratton is the largest and most technically advanced class of cutter in the Coast Guard. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 2nd Class Patrick Kelley.

Posted by Secretary Janet Napolitano

Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with more than 250 DHS employees about what DHS is doing to support women in our workforce and develop the future leaders of DHS – both women and men.

I was joined by Under Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Caryn Wagner, Director of the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center Connie Patrick, Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs Betsy Markey, and Chief Human Capital Officer Catherine Emerson, all of whom participated in a panel discussion to discuss their career paths and some of the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

As President Obama said, Women’s History Month is an opportunity to celebrate progress and “reaffirm our steadfast commitment to the rights, security, and dignity of women in America and around the world.”

At DHS, we uphold that commitment through our work to combat human trafficking, protect immigrants who are victims of domestic violence and other crimes, and ensure parents have the tools they need to keep their children safe online, and in many other ways.

We also uphold that commitment within our own workforce, by doing all we can to recruit qualified and talented staff, and by helping create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to advance and thrive.

One way we are doing this is through leadership development programs, such as NextGen. Developed for mid-career employees, NextGen provides training, executive coaching, and engagement with senior executives.

Another great example of the work we’re doing to develop young talent is the Transportation Security Administration’s Associates program, geared toward our front line workers. It supports those who want to build their skills by taking classes at community colleges. And women are participating in that program at a very high rate.
In addition, we are developing other programs to put talented new employees on the fast track to leadership.

Whether it’s the Border Patrol Supervisory Agent who leads an elite Search, Trauma and Rescue team in rough desert terrain; the scientist who tests nuclear detection equipment; or the agent in charge of intelligence collection along the Southwestern border, I am proud to serve alongside so many remarkable women from across DHS.


Learn more about DHS career and internship opportunities.