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January 28, 2004

U.S. Rolls Out Cyber-Alert System

The U.S. government on Wednesday rolled out a "cyber alert" system to warn computer users about viruses, worms and other online threats, two days after the "MyDoom" worm snarled e-mail traffic worldwide. Internet users who sign up will receive e-mail warnings about new worms like "MyDoom," as well as general tips about how to make their computers more secure, officials with the Homeland Security Department said.

Officials said they hope to slow the spread of cyberattacks by making the online public more aware of the specific weaknesses they exploit. "The intent is for this information to be made available to the public to receive the widest and most appropriate distribution," said Amit Yoran, director of Homeland Security's cybersecurity division.

Computer users can sign up for the alert system at (http://www.us-cert.gov), Yoran said. Warnings will be sent by e-mail and also posted on the Web site, he said. E-mail warnings will contain an electronic signature to verify their authenticity, he said. - Reuters

Cindy

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Comments

Pfft. I'll bet the government won't get the virus emails written and sent out before everyone knows about them anyway.

Brain matter deposited by: Kat on January 28, 2004 5:46 PM

I don't understand why my tax dollars are being used to support Microsoft by helping them deal with the multitude of gaping security holes in their software. If there is a national security problem resulting from the vulnerability of Windows they should go after Miscrosoft to fix the problem.

Brain matter deposited by: Stephen Macklin on February 7, 2004 9:00 PM