Fergie's Tech Blog

Not Much Genius in DHS's Einstein 3.0 Plan

Ira Winkler writes on Internet Evolution:

Michael Chertoff, head of the Department of Homeland Security, is back in the headlines with comments on Einstein 3.0, the department's latest effort to protect cyberspace. Sadly, as I read through the articles, the only thing I could think of were bad jokes.

Let me give one example. Chertoff states the system "would literally, like an anti-aircraft weapon, shoot down an attack before it hits its target," he said. "And that's what we call Einstein 3.0."

To judge from recent personnel appointments, it's pretty clear Chertoff doesn't much value technical experience where cyber-security is concerned. So I'd like to introduce him to the concept of a firewall. For the unaware, these are common products, available for more than a decade, and are included already in many operating systems. They prevent attacks from reaching their targets.

Despite the administration's demonstration that they don't value security experience, they really cannot be this naïve. At least I hope not.

posted by Fergie @ 10/07/2008 12:23:00 PM