The 2014 Elections and Homeland Security

So, last night was interesting to say the least! After Mr. Obama's recent press conference to address "no what", my Twitter account was flooded with the same questions- but directed at Homeland Security. Yes, the elections are going to impact how the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will move forward. Different leadership and different people at the table will always lead to different perspectives and objectives when it comes to Homeland Security. And, to make things more shaky, there was a security breach by a DHS contractor announced today- which means incoming officials may be looking to clean house.

Here's what happened; a contractor running background checks for the US Department of Homeland Security has suffered a potentially embarrassing security breach. The security snafu at USIS reportedly led to the theft of some DHS employees’ personal information. The extent of the breach — discovered and self-reported by USIS itself — is still being assessed. DHS encrypts the data it sends USIS but how it is stored and handled within the contractor, the largest provider of background investigations for the federal government, is unclear.

Our country has to pivot right now because of new people coming into office, and because of examples such as the above. We need to tighten policies, figure out how to sustain several programs with needed improvements to social and multi-media tools, and -most of all- we need to learn to work together. Regardless if we are traveling through an airport and annoyed with the TSA screening process or we are a newly elected official lost in the overwhelming process of taking over a political office- collaboration has to be a priority from here on out.

There isn't going to be an overnight change within any area of our political or security systems. But, together, we can work for a safer and more forward-thinking future!

Until tomorrow,

Twyla N. Garrett

Homeland Security Cyber Tips

My company, HireIme.com, specializes in providing Homeland Security service. Starting today, every Wednesday I will post a topic related to Homeland Security. Today, I want to cover how to protect yourself (and your company) in cyber world when it comes to Homeland Security.

Cyber criminals will target any computer system (big or small, non-profit or for profit) if it is vulnerable. Here are some steps to take to ensure your system(s) is safe;

Set strong passwords and change them every day. Don't let employees pick their own passwords, either. I still know CEOs who use "password" as their password. Why?! Make sure you use a combination of letters and numbers not related to anything personal that can be obtain through social media research.

Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates. Most people still ignore updates that popup on their computer systems because they are afraid the updates are viruses. Not true! Those updates are there for a reason. Please install them.

Limit the privacy settings for your company. Your employees should have limited accessed to the Internet and no download capability for things directly derived from the Internet or unknown email contacts.

What if you suspect fraud or criminal behavior? Report it!

Most people believe "it's the internet, I have no recourse." This is a myth. There is a group called the Electronic Crimes Task Forces and Working Groups. You can lodge a complaint or report a concern with the group. Here is a link to their page. http://www.secretservice.gov/ectf.shtml

So, remember to stay safe in cyber world. Don't use obvious passwords, don't allow employees to chose their own passwords or download files from the Internet and, most importantly, use common sense.

Until next time,

Twyla Garrett