Experts Warn of Growing Data Theft as Government Lags in Cybersecurity
Dec 07, 2010
It will take several more years for the government to fully install high-tech systems to block computer intrusions. This prolonged timeline enables criminals to become more adept at stealing sensitive data, experts say. As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) methodically works to secure the approximately 2,400 network connections used daily by millions of federal workers, experts suggest that technology may already be outpacing them. The DHS, responsible for securing non-military government systems, is gradually moving all government Internet and e-mail traffic into secure networks. These networks will eventually be protected by intrusion detection and prevention programs. However, progress has been slow. Officials are trying to finalize complex contracts with network vendors, resolve technology issues, and address privacy concerns related to monitoring employees and public citizens. The recent WikiLeaks release of over a quarter-million sensitive diplomatic documents highligh