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Federal Authority Over the Internet? The Cybersecurity Act of 2009
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There’s a new bill working its way through Congress that is cause for some alarm: the Cybersecurity Act of 2009 (PDF summary here), introduced by Senators Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Olympia Snowe (R-ME). The bill as it exists now risks giving the federal government unprecedented power over the Internet without necessarily improving security in the ways that matter most. It should be opposed or radically amended.
Essentially, the Act would federalize critical infrastructure security. Since many of our critical infrastructure systems (banks, telecommunications, energy) are in the hands of the private sector, the bill would create a major shift of power away from users and companies to the federal government. This is a potentially dangerous approach that favors the dramatic over the sober response.
One proposed provision gives the President unfettered authority to shut down Internet traffic in an emergency and disconnect critical infrastructure systems on national security grounds goes too far. Certainly there are times when a network owner must block harmful traffic, but the bill gives no guidance on when or how the President could responsibly pull the kill switch on privately-owned and operated networks.
Furthermore, the bill contains a particularly dangerous provision that could cripple privacy and security in one fell swoop:
The Secretary of Commerce— shall have access to all relevant data concerning (critical infrastructure) networks without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy restricting such access…
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In other words, the bill would give the Commerce Department absolute, non-emergency access to “all relevant data” without any privacy safeguards like standards or judicial review. The broad scope of this provision could eviscerate statutory protections for private information, such as the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Privacy Protection Act, or financial privacy regulations. Even worse, it isn’t clear whether this provision would require systems to be designed to enable access, essentially a back door for the Secretary of Commerce that would also establish a primrose path for any bad guy to merrily skip down as well. If the drafters meant to create a clearinghouse for system vulnerability information along the lines of a US/CERT mailing list, that could be useful, but that’s not what the bill’s current language does.
A privacy threat still in the cocoon is the provision mandating a study of the feasibility of an identity management and authentication program with just a nod to “appropriate civil liberties and privacy protections.” There’s reason to fear that this type of study is just a precursor to proposals to limit online anonymity. But anonymity isn’t inherently a security problem. What’s “secure” depends on the goals of the system. Do you need authentication, accountability, confidentiality, data integrity? Each goal suggests a different security architecture, some totally compatible with anonymity, privacy and civil liberties. In other words, no one “identity management and authentication program” is appropriate for all internet uses.
Whether the bill is amended or rejected, the question remains what kind of actions would help cybersecurity, and what role the federal government has to play. As security expert Bruce Schneier has pointed out, the true causes of government cyber-insecurity are rather mundane:
GAO reports indicate that government problems include insufficient access controls, a lack of encryption where necessary, poor network management, failure to install patches, inadequate audit procedures, and incomplete or ineffective information security programs.
The Cybersecurity Act is an example of the kind of dramatic proposal that doesn’t address the real problems of security, and can actually make matters worse by weakening existing privacy safeguards – as opposed to simpler, practical measures that create real security by encouraging better computer hygiene. We’ll be watching this bill carefully to ensure that it doesn’t pass in its present form.
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April 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
copy the link for that bill to everyone! the obama administration could monitor your internet usage at will if it passes!
Disband The Oppressorment Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 6:52 pm
HOW ABOUT ‘APPOSED’ AS IN A L L OTHER BILLS BEING BROUGHT FORTH.
IS THAT ALL THAT YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS CAN DO WITH THERE TIME, OTHER THAN CREATE MORE OPPRESSION?
IS THIS IT?…IS THIS ALL ???
N O M O R E O P P R E S S I O N
Blouk Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 7:59 pm
Nope, that’s just about it. Laws, laws and more fuckin’ laws.
Get those BBS numbers just in case Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Get all the numbers of all the BBS sites you can get while the net is still running. Then if it goes down, you can dial directly to a BBS server, even ones overseas and still be able to communicate with others and share information. Long distance does cost money, but if you know how to get around that or get it cheaper on long distance rates, it all works out.
Cell phones don’t charge Nationwide so you can use the net on that too.
Say No! Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 6:15 am
START ENCRYPTING EVERYTHING!!!!!!
jake Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Are there things you can think of to protect your local internet? What are BBS #s and how do we acquire them?
ScrewyL (Happier) Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
They can’t stop this stuff with a switch:
Wireless Ethernet
Radio Internet
Microwave Towers
Dial-Up / SLIP / PPP
Lee Harvey Shatner Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Unfortunately, shutting down the internet will have to be done.
It is the only way to get all you pasty white individuals a tan.
You see, it is vitamin D deficiency which holds you in place, on your
wide, soft rears, and prevents you from storming the bastille and beating
the living snot out of these pretenders and tearing off their arms and turning
on the local overweight cop dreaming of his next sandwich.
Mason Grace Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 11:53 pm
the government trolls who monitor this site to circumvent the 1st amendment are paid in taxdollars. so, the traitors already can do what they want.
friedmonkeybrains Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 6:47 am
That rockefellar turd doesnt like the fact he doesnt control the media on the internet .. Any opponent of internet freedom needs to be accused of trying to cover their crimes .. It cracks me up how their World wide wiretap back fired on their corrupt asses .. BEcome the media expose these wicked lowlifes .. check out my new vid about our degrading standard of living with job outsourcing new vid about jobs and our degrading standard of living http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....annel_page
Copey Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 9:52 am
Great video presentation. Explains everything clearly and makes an impact. Thanks.
king shit Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 10:01 am
i guess we had better share this type of info while we still can. Copy and share this link. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWcqxrQgcc
King shit Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 10:40 am
Did you see the committee rockafeller picked for this?? we are cluster fucked.
I guess this is goodbye to infowars. : ‘(
Attny. Lounging Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 2:35 pm
WRONG !
Mason Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
the government trolls who monitor this website 24-7, deleting comments, are circumventing the 1st amendment and getting paid for it with tax dollars. why bother making it legal?
April 15th, 2009 at 5:50 pm
well their own people from their collective states need to flood their offices with faxes and e-mails and phone calls and tell them to back away slowly from that shit!!. I would say ” if you push this bill we will call for a recall vote for you most riki tic !’, .
April 15th, 2009 at 5:54 pm
they already have internet usage limits for internet. we must not let them take our internet freedoms away. fight for the freedom internet!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I don’t about all of you out there, but I’m starting to get sick these Federal mother fucks. They’re like a little knat that won’t go away.
Yep Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:46 am
Yep. The little knat has poison in its bite, and determined to use it.
ScrewyL (Happier) Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
They will never stop trying.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
Hail Senator Jay Rockafucker!!!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:20 pm
Ya leave the Cybersecurity to the government.Smart real smart, so when you have a so called real terrorist cyber attack Obama will be reading a book to school kids….oh wait that was Bush.
SAME SHIT though
April 15th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
This is a no-brainer,the big statists realize how effective the net is for dissemination of facts as compared to the fiction that we’re spoonfed by the mainstream news.
The leftwing ruling class are terrified of the 10th amendment noiises coming from governers,that’s why they’re dropping the assault weapons talk.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Hate Tyranny and the globalist agenda taking place? Express yourself and educate your fellow citizens with conversation starting apparel: http://www.cafepress.com/realdealpolitic
You gotta Love the “Chicago Poverty Pimp” Design!
April 15th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
“without regard to any provision of law, regulation, rule, or policy” Absolutely UN FUCKING BELIEVABLE.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:39 pm
Be among the first to discuss stories like this and what to do about it at the new Revelation Now Forum http://www.electsake.com/RevelationNowForum
WHAMMO! Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
We are already discussing it nitwit. Go spam your lame website elsewhere.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:45 pm
The internet is the only true form of free speech that we have left. Of course they will do everything to stop it.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Govts cannot be in the business of cyber-security, At least not if they want to hack some citizens computers too. think about it.
For one thats a simple kingdom divided against itself issue.
Anyways, Security can only be reliable when developed, and paid for by a private sector businesses that have researched it, and determine (whichever) product really works through peer review.
April 15th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Remember now that they have seen people of all shapes and sizes are getting pissed they will try and distract us. Just like on CNN new headline this afternoon, The Fed says the market looks like it is stabalizing bringing the DOW up 100pts. They are counter attacking the protests left and right and are trying to drive a wedge between the people.
We must resist, and revolt
RIP – Starters of the Revolution, Actions speak louder then words.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
Jay Rockefeller is a dweeb. He should be afraid of the internet and is now trying to shut it down to help his banker elite buddies. There is a special limb for him. We need to unite, kill this bill and impeach that commie turd.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:15 pm
obama eats cotten candy filled edible depends with chockolet spots off his wife
April 15th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
how about edible bras whith a pair of edible pantys on the side
April 15th, 2009 at 7:24 pm
im full just talking about it to myself
April 15th, 2009 at 7:25 pm
I think I agree with you folks here. I’m sick of the government. As of now, I’m not a gun owner. I think I’m going to rectify that most quickly. If I have a choice, I’ll choose a mass grave before I choose a FEMA camp then a mass grave.
I think I’m gonna go get a job in one of those fancy Washington DC resturants and spit in the food.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:27 pm
This is definitely something worth fighting against. In many ways, the Internet is the last broad frontier where freedom somewhat exists and all information has a right to exist.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
We need to set up Internet II as a point-2-point radio link between machines. Something like this:
http://www.linuxjournal.com/article/4281
Then, the Federals would not have a single point of control for the entire internet. Once it reached critical mass, it would be impossible to shut down. It’s time to break free from these power mad morons.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
In other words, the bill would give the Commerce Department absolute, non-emergency access to “all relevant data” without any privacy safeguards like standards or judicial review.
Just like when someone at the State Dept. during the campaign trail hacked into the passports of McCain, Clinton and Obama.
It’s like the blind leading the blind with these assholes.
April 15th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
us money is leagle tender tender is what you start a fire with it isnt worth a shit i tried to give a bunch of it away and they told me its crap
April 15th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Fight this!!!!
This is very serious. This must not be passed.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Must.. Stop… the… free… Thinkers… I think this is the non-stop thinking that goes on in the pile of rotting turds the elites call a brain.
Raise all the hell necessary to bring this to a halt. Our ideas must not be silenced by these tyrants!!!
April 15th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
Let’s see, govt oversight of the internet…..isn’t this already happening in China? Hmmm.
shut up and fight back Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 11:25 am
yeah and google is behind it.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:38 pm
Yours and My Tax Dollars went to making the internet. Then to have the Feds or Gov tell us they plan on controlling it, is another hostile take over by political means. Time the real news gets published or have the news corporation start reporting the news how it happens and not how Gov wants them to report it. It’s time we put an end to there control and tampering with news to the point of covering up the real truths. Those who condone allowing the news to be reported only as those corporates who own these news company’s better report the news as it happens instead of how they interpet the news. The people are waking up to the cheap and out right lies the news is making up and only allowing what they feel is allowed by there governing powers. Time to report the news as it happens and allow public editorials in matters that effect all of us as in the Feds control of the internet. Its putting control on our right to speech and information. Obama and all congressional leaders best understand they work for the People of this country. They are stepping on ground that will ask for there dismissal. Then maybe the people will get a chance for holding several up for Treason in this country. They have manipulated Americans too long. Shame on you Obama for your lieing ways and all who sell this country out for a lousy cheap dollar. Your time is coming where Justice will give you all a home. Home behind Bars and a chair is waiting for some of them also. Time to report the news as it is,No More covering up the truths! Or were all going to hear Freedom “Ring”!
April 15th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
don’t worry fellas. you’ll still be able to see plenty of me on the web. plus we’re gonna give you all the news you need to know too. my husband and i are committed to protecting you from the internet terrorists so i’m sure we can count on you for your support. thank all of you so much and god bless america.
Asher Epple :P Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
you can only fear any of this is you arnt Christian,i couldnt care less about whats happening,i wouldnt care if they poisined my food,or air,i have the higher power,Jesus Christ,but i believe that infowars is true
April 15th, 2009 at 10:09 pm
Look there are bad people on the internet. Why does everything have to be sinister. I used to fall for this horse shit, but now i know it is just fear mongering. Go OBAMA GO USA
Lootus Maximus Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
YES, GO OBAMA…
PLEASE,
GO NOW!
Somewhere, ANYWHERE,
Just GO!!!
Get the hell out of our lives!
Hangman1 Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
The Thing above said:
“Why does everything have to be sinister. I used to fall for this horse shit, but now i know it is just fear mongering. ”
Sinister? You do not see the “sinister-ness” of a plan to cut off the Internet? The ONLY source for undiluted news? The “Town Hall” of The USA? The place where every voice does weigh something, at least enough that the alphabet soup agencies pay attention and track every person.
When the Internet goes down, Obama’s fault, Madonna’s fault, Santa Claus’ fault, it doesn’t matter. That is the day that FREEDOM has been usurped beyond a doubt and that is the day the NWO will regret. I give them about a month after that day and the last one will hang. This is a fight that will go fast and furious.
Idiots Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 1:36 am
Go take your blue pill with your koolaide and go hide in your closet.
Ray Reply:
April 16th, 2009 at 9:59 am
Yes there are bad guys on the internet. The very worst of the the bad guys are running our government and they just got fingered as the perpertrators for the 9/11 attack (by Danish scientists).
They are getting desperate. Now the witchhunt begins. Now, everyone is suddenly labeled as a “terrorist” or threat. And you know what? Honest, decent, law-abiding Americans *are* a threat to this criminal regime. Some of these patriots being labeled “terrorists” will probably serve on the juries that convict these government criminals at the next Nuremberg-style trials.
It could not happen soon enough!
April 15th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
Notice that little phrase:
“Without regard to any provision of law.”
THAT sums up this criminal gov’t to a tee.
They have NO regard for ANY laws far as
their elite are concerned.
What that statement truly means is what it says:
“WE don’t want to follow ANY laws, we just do what
we please and the rest of you be damned.”
All those billions and the only place Jay-the-troll
could buy himself an elected office is WV.
Figures.
April 16th, 2009 at 12:12 am
Here we go again—FISA wasn’t bad enough? Call your senators–not that they pay attention.
April 16th, 2009 at 12:31 am
This cybersecurity act should be banned. It damages privacy and sucks dicks.
Is there a way to burn this Cybersecurity filth Act?
April 16th, 2009 at 12:31 am
join your state militia. it will be our final stance
April 16th, 2009 at 1:33 am
CALL and say NO! NO! NO!!! to the treasonous bastards. Why aren’t they being prosecuted and hung for treason!!!!???????? Obviously the Consitiution doesn’t mean diddly crap to them or to anyone else (including so-called “Patriots) here in the Untied States of I-s-r-a-el. Oh! Speaking of! Go to ADL (Anti-defamation League) website and see what theses barbaric pond scum have been up to…aways up to crap…anything subversive to OUR Country…now it’s the total control of the net. It was was THEIR idea and they had a big meeting outside of the U.S. (can’t remember…some country in Europe) recently, to plot their devious shutdown of the last bastion of freedom contained in the 1st Amendment here in the U.S. of Z/I. MAINLY..the INTERNET! They are so proud of it, according to their website report.
A foreign country has taken control of our govenment, all our wealth, and We The People, Friends. Guess who it is. Just a little clue…the country starts with the letter “I”
April 16th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Seriously, read “Idiots” whole thing just above. Its hilarious…
April 16th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Privacy doesnt exist on the internet as we speak. This site and other forums know exactly who you are with your IP and usually can find out your true name with a few network tricks. Not to mention cable internet companies have a special little pod on their servers reserved for their customers internet history. So why are ya whining about something that already exists…they just advertise their legislation after the fact to make ya mad.
April 16th, 2009 at 10:25 pm
Oh well,At least we will still have BBS’s and CB radio.
Good thing i hung onto my macintoshes for my BBS and my Ranger 2970 MODIFIED HAM RADIO….
Yep they will hear my big mouth all over AmeriKa.
4 Eimac 500-Z Tubes 2000 Watts PEP from 25 Mhz to 32 Mhz FM,AM,SSB,CW.
Shame on the mess
Go ahead,make my day.
April 18th, 2009 at 10:47 am
PRIVATE INTERNET 2 SATELLITE SYSTEM
What would be the cost of having the Russians launch the necessary number of Internet 2 satellites? I know $20,000,000 will get you a ride up to the Russian space station Soyoz. What’s the cost to build and launch these satellites 20 billion dollars? The people of the world could do this easily. A private internet co-op with yearly rotating directors could establish a totally free speech internet without government censoring. Hey maybe we can get some of that “Stimulus Money!” God forbid then the government would have control of Internet 2! Do it yourselves folks. All Hail to “internet 2″! I heard there is an internet 2 so if that is correct then lets call it World Link. I am not sure I like any title with the expression world in it, but you get my drift!?
One other unrelated note:
Hey Obama print a shit load of those Lincoln Greenbacks and pay off the Federal Reserve and tell those asshole bankers to go fuck themselves… Viola! debt paid and the people are free! The Fed must accept the fiat paper as bonified money for payment of debt. There you have it folks its that simple. If the Fed refuses payment then Obama can tell them they had their chance and by Executive Order 66666 tell the Federal Reserve Bankers to go take a long walk off a short pier. Of course if Obama does that he will find himself in the same dangerous mess as Lincoln and Kennedy. He would have to live underground for a long long time, but I would protect Obama if he did something as admirable and courageous. Wasn’t there a Sixites song, “All I Want To Do Is Dream”?!!! Dreaming can’t hurt unless of course you are a Martin Luther King or his kind. God bless King’s precious soul! I know, I know I am an Extremist..Ugh!
Good day…………………………