Short Takes – 4-28-23

Railroads warned about the problems long trains can cause. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““All stakeholders – the FRA, railroads, and elected officials – share the same goal of continuously enhancing rail safety, minimizing adverse impacts to surrounding communities and keeping the goods that power our economy flowing,” AAR spokeswoman Jessica Kahanek said. “The recommendations within this advisory align closely with the prudent steps railroads already take to do just that.”” As I said yesterday, minimal effect on operational safety.

Lawmakers demand accountability for DC Health Link breach. TheHill.com article. Pull quote: ““We’re going to have a lot of information on when the server was misconfigured, why it was misconfigured, why it wasn’t caught and all of the steps that led to this event,” Kofman said, referring to the ongoing investigation.” Unusual congressional attention on this breach, but what about all the other healthcare breaches that do not affect congresscritters directly?

Denied a Gun License Over School Threat, Accused Leaker Jack Teixeira Later Got Top-Secret Clearance. WSJ.com article. Pull quote: “The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency, which approves clearances for the U.S. military, said its vetting regularly “cleared individuals’ background to ensure they continue to meet security clearance requirements.” The process “does not include automated checks of social media or chat rooms.””

NSF Federal Cyber Scholarship-for-Service Program (CyberCorps® SFS). Federal Register NSF 30-day ICR notice. Would support new NSF rule that is pending review at OMB.

Soaring Drone Use Requires Policymakers to Act. AmericanChemistry.com opinion piece. Pull quote: “First, the FAA must publish its Congressionally mandated drone security rule. The agency must allow facility operators to apply for airspace restrictions or drone prohibitions to help protect their site. These critical tools are needed to help prevent using drones for industrial espionage and potential terrorist attacks. As it stands now, the rule is long overdue, which is forcing the country to rely on a patchwork of state laws to address the threat and leaving a major gap in national security.”