NSU warns of heightened malicious digital activity, issues guidance

There are reports of malicious email messages asking for or offering help, malicious websites, one of which reporting to show a map of the virus’ spread, and malicious phone calls and texts, some spoofed as being from Dominion Power. Don’t fall for these spoofs. Sources for information on the virus should be via legitimate health … Continue reading →

Gov. McAuliffe announces Thomas Nelson Community College’s designation as a National Center of Excellence in Cyber Defense Education

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe announced Thursday, Sept. 14, that the United States National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have officially designated Thomas Nelson Community College as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Two-Year Education (CAE2Y). This designation acknowledges schools that excel in educating students to become leaders in … Continue reading →

McAuliffe announces “NSA Day of Cyber” School Challenge in Virginia

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today, Oct. 27, the launch of Virginia’s “NSA Day of Cyber” School Challenge. The challenge begins today and will run through the end of March 2017. Participating students will take part in rigorous, real-life virtual cyber scenarios, discover the skills and tools used by NSA cyber professionals, and explore … Continue reading →

Gov. McAuliffe announces $1 million in cybersecurity scholarships

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Wednesday, Aug. 10, that applications are now being accepted for a $1 million state scholarship fund for students studying cybersecurity. The Virginia Cybersecurity Public Service Scholarship Program will award $20,000 a year to eligible Virginia students who are studying how to safeguard computer networks, data and electronic resources. In return, … Continue reading →

Homeland Security begins sharing cyberthreats with business

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Homeland Security Department on Thursday formally began sharing details of new digital threats with private business and other government agencies, a culmination of a longtime effort to improve cybersecurity. “This is the ‘if you see something, say something’ of cybersecurity,” said Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson at the agency’s Virginia-based data … Continue reading →

Under Clinton, State’s cybersecurity suffered

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The State Department was among the worst agencies in the federal government at protecting its computer networks while Hillary Rodham Clinton was secretary from 2009 to 2013, a situation that continued to deteriorate as John Kerry took office and Russian hackers breached the department’s email system, according to independent audits and … Continue reading →

How vulnerable are mobile-payment apps to hacking?

Making a purchase or other payment is not like it used to be. These days, cash and credit cards aren’t the necessities they once were because alternative-payment options are just a tap or two away on a mobile device through apps such as Google Wallet, Apple Pay, Square, Levelup, Kash and PayPal. But just how … Continue reading →

Clinton’s email woes spin a tale about the ascendance of IT

WASHINGTON (AP) — One congressional committee subpoenaed him. Two others are dangling the possibility of a promise of immunity to get him to dish about Hillary Rodham Clinton’s email setup. Lo, the IT guy, international man of mystery. The swirling interest around Bryan Pagliano, the former State Department employee hired to maintain Clinton’s email server, … Continue reading →

Watchdog: Air traffic control system is a hacking risk

  WASHINGTON (AP) — The nation’s system for guiding planes and other aircraft is at “increased and unnecessary risk” of being hacked, according to a report by government watchdog released Monday. The Federal Aviation Administration has taken steps to protect the air traffic control system from cyber-based threats, but “significant security control weaknesses remain, threatening … Continue reading →

Biden, energy secretary visit Norfolk State University

NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe joined Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz during a visit to Norfolk State University on Thursday for a discussion on cybersecurity careers. Their visit came days after President Barack Obama committed $25 million in grants to invest in cybersecurity education at historically black … Continue reading →

Biden, energy secretary visit Norfolk State University

  NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe joined Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz during a visit to Norfolk State University on Thursday for a discussion on cybersecurity careers. Their visit came days after President Barack Obama committed $25 million in grants to invest in cybersecurity education at historically black colleges and … Continue reading →