“Pleased to meet you…hope you guessed my name…” – Sophisticated CyberAttack hits US Dept of Energy February 4, 2013
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: AT&T, china, cyber espionage, cybersecurity, cyberwar, department of energy, privacy, The Counter Terrorist
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UPDATE: A new report released shows that Chinese military is involved in CyberAttacks. Read the full story here and download the report.
Foxnews released an article today that outlines a sophisticated cyberattack targetting the US Dept of Energy. Surprisingly, the suspect is China. According to the story, the attack compromised the information of several hundred employees with the expected outcome to be to compromise more information . According to the article:
“It’s a continuing story of negligence,” former Energy Department security official Ed McCallum told the Free Beacon, explaining that the department continues to have security problems despite controlling some of the most “sophisticated military and intelligence technology the country owns.”
He said China, as well as Iran, have been after Energy Department secrets. Several groups and agencies have warned about stepped-up cyber activities out of China.
“China continues to develop its capabilities in the cyber arena,” the U.S. China Economic and Security Review Commission said in a November 2012 report to Congress. “U.S. industry and a range of government and military targets face repeated exploitation attempts by Chinese hackers as do international organizations and nongovernmental groups including Chinese dissident groups, activists, religious organizations, rights groups, and media institutions.”
Chris Mark & Heather Mark in Feb 2013 TransactionWorld February 1, 2013
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: AT&T, Chris Mark, cybercrime, cybersecurity, Heather Mark, Maritime Security, PCI, risk management, somali pirates
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February’s edition of TransactionWorld was released today and both Chris and Heather have articles in the issue. Chris (that is me) wrote “Security in Dangerous Waters; Pirates & CyberCrime” while Heather wrote “Shifting Targets; Dealing with Regulatory Shifts in Data Security & Privacy”. Please be sure to check out the articles..
“SpyGames” – Global Cyber Espionage Ring Discovered January 15, 2013
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: Chris Mark, cyberespionage, information security, InfoSec, Kaspersky, mark consulting group, Stuxnet
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In an article published today in RT Magazine, it was disclosed that recently Russia’ Kaspersky labs uncovered. “A sophisticated cyber-espionage network targeting the world’s diplomatic, government and research agencies, as well as gas and oil industries…” “The majority of infections are actually from the embassies of ex-USSR country members located in various regions such as Western Europe and even in North America – in the US we have few infections as well. But most infections are concentrated around Russia,” Vitaly Kamluk, chief malware expert at Kasperky Lab, told RT, adding that in Europe, the hardest-hit countries are apparently Beligum and Switzerland. Kaspersky is also the company that identified Stuxnet, Flame, and Duqu malware.
According to the article: “The hackers’ primary objective is to gather information and documents that could compromise the security of governments, corporations or other organizations and agencies. In addition to focusing on diplomatic and governmental agencies around the world, the hackers also attacked energy and nuclear groups, and trade and aerospace targets.”
In August, 2012, I published an article in The Counter Terrorist Magazine titled: “The Rise of CyberEspionage” which outlines the International efforts to steal data from Western nations. Unfortunately, while many companies are busy trying to protect NPI, PII etc. advanced efforts are being undertaken to steal their intellectual property. Stay tuned for a February 2013 article in The Counter Terrorist, as well!
“Praying for Kaelie” – A 4 Year Old Girl with Neuroblastoma January 10, 2013
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: cancer, kaelie young, neuroblastoma, praying for kaelie, sick child
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Occasionally I use this blog for more altruistic purposes than ranting, opining, and boosting my own ego by seeing my words in print. This is one of those times. As you can see from the picture, Kaelie Young is a sweet little 4 year old girl. She is, unfortunately, also fighting Neuroblastoma. She has a loving family with 6 brothers and sisters but she is struggling with chemo therapy. As the father of a 3 year old, I cannot imagine how difficult it is to see your child so sick. It is truly heartbreaking.
If you are a religious person, please donate your prayers. If you are not religious, please donate your positive thoughts and well wishes. Regardless, if you see fit, please consider donating to help Kaelie. As can be imagined, the medical bills are significant. They also take donated items at drop-off locations. You can visit her website here to learn more. Thank you,
New Role – AT&T Consulting PCI Practice Lead! January 4, 2013
Posted by Chris Mark in Uncategorized.Tags: AT&T, Chris Mark, Consulting, credit card, PCI DSS, QSA, security
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I am proud to announce that as of January 3, 2013 I have accepted and started a new position with AT&T Consulting. I am the new PCI Practice Lead directing the PCI DSS auditing and consulting efforts within AT&T. I am excited to work with the most experienced, professional PCI DSS experts and QSAs in the industry. I have had frequent opportunity to interact with the AT&T PCI team over the years and have been consistently impressed with their technical expertise and professionalism. Their industry leading services are testament to the quality of the team and the leadership that preceded me in this role. Please feel free to contact me if you have any PCI DSS needs!
Global Security, Privacy, & Risk Management 