Short Takes – 5-1-23

Federal Law Enforcement’s New Focus is on ‘Disruption’ of Cybercrime. NewsGov.com article. Fails to discuss what ‘disruption’ entails. Pull quote: ““While these [emerging] technologies present opportunities for positive use, they could also be used by cyber actors for malicious intent, potentially giving them the ability to develop more sophisticated cyber capabilities in a shorter timeframe,” Kaiser said. “However, regardless of who the attackers are, or what their target is, they will most likely continue to target networks and systems in the same ways they have historically: through exploiting unpatched vulnerabilities, guessing simple passwords and spearfishing.””

Congress urged to formalize Cyber Safety Review Board. SCMagazine.com article. Short piece. Pull quote: “Aside from formally authorizing funding for the CSRB, the bill sought by the DHS would give the board subpoena powers to organizations impacted by cyberattacks, said DHS Undersecretary for Strategy, Policy, and Plans Rob Silvers at the RSA 2023 Conference. Such a legislative proposal has already been approved by the board on April 24.” Copy of draft DHS legislation.

Health officials warn irritating symptom may be returning with latest COVID strain. TheHill.com article. Pink eye a potential symptom. Pull quote: ““Observational data suggests that people infected with XBB.1.16 may be more likely to experience conjunctivitis as a symptom of their COVID infection, along with more traditional COVID symptoms, such as fever, cough and shortness of breath,” the LA County Health Department said in a statement. “Historically, conjunctivitis was reported in 1 to 3% of COVID-19 cases.””

Air Defense: Advanced AUDs. StrategyPage.com article. Counter UAS systems. Pull quote: “One of the new (to large-scale combat) systems Israel would discuss was one that received data from all sensors (radars or electronic detection systems) and, in real time, created a single database/map display of all enemy systems detected. One feature of this new system’s software was an accurate estimate of where UAVs were launched from. This provides an opportunity to attack the UAV operator or launch site. This system was already causing more losses to Hamas rocket launching teams, who thought the Israelis were just getting lucky. Now Hamas knows that luck had nothing to do with it. Israel has often sought to come up with defenses against new enemy weapons or tactics with a multi-system solution. Nowhere has this been more evident than when it comes to the growing threat from armed UAVs.”

Elon Musk provides detailed review of Starship’s first launch—and what’s next. ArsTechnica.com article. Pull quote: “Because of the rocket and launch pad upgrades, Musk said he anticipates SpaceX being ready for a second Starship launch attempt in six to eight weeks. However, he acknowledged that closing out work with the Federal Aviation Administration on the flight termination system and taking other measures necessary for a launch license may take longer.”