Former Computer Hacker Now Cyber Security Consultant for DHS Posted Jun 26, 2009 ©MurthyDotCom According to a Department of Homeland Security press release, former-hacker-turned-cyber- security-consultant, Jeff Moss, was sworn in on Friday, June 5, 2009 by the DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) to help bolster preparedness against potential cyber threats. President Barack Obama has emphasized the importance of securing digital infrastructure, calling it a national priority. Since taking office, President Obama has classified digital infrastructure as a strategic national asset, created the position of cybersecurity czar to coordinate cyber security policy, and has the military working to create a military command dedicated to cyber security, all to counter the growing threat of cyber attacks against networks. ©MurthyDotCom Jeff Moss : Working Both Sides of Cyber Security ©MurthyDotCom Jeff Moss has experience working both sides of cyber security. As a consultant, Mr. Moss tests companies' security systems for weaknesses against cyber attacks. But Mr. Moss is also the founder of Def Con - an annual hacker's convention held in Las Vegas, NV since 1993 and Blackhat - a cyber security conference for IT professionals. Over the years, these conferences have attracted government officials who recruit talented young hackers to combat cyber threats. ©MurthyDotCom Recruits Offer Unique Insights and Expertise ©MurthyDotCom At the HSAC swearing in ceremony, Secretary Napolitano said Moss and the fifteen other members that were sworn in offer, "unique insights and expertise" in order to "fulfill the Department’s core mission of securing the country against the many threats it faces." Among the other members are former FBI and CIA Director William Webster, former FBI Director Louis Freeh, Miami Mayor Manny Diaz, New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly, Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia, and Governor Martin O'Malley of Maryland. ©MurthyDotCom Obama Administration Focuses on Cybersecurity ©MurthyDotCom The Obama administration has been revamping the government's approach to cyber security. According to CNN, DHS reports the number of cyber attacks on public and private sector networks increased from 4,095 in 2005 to over 72,000 in 2008. In his speech announcing the creation of the position of cybersecurity czar, President Obama said, "Our technological advantage is a key to America's military dominance. But our defense and military networks are under constant attack. Al Qaeda and other terrorist groups have spoken of their desire to unleash a cyber attack on our country - attacks that are harder to detect and harder to defend against." The Administration appointed Mr. Moss to work with DHS to combat online threats President Obama characterizes as Weapons of Mass Disruption. Copyright © 2009, MURTHY LAW FIRM. All Rights Reserved
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