national cyber security bulletin on anonymous

from the hacker news: DHS has analyzed the likelihood of Anonymous attacking industrial control systems (ICS) after the hacktivist group showed such intentions earlier this year. "Assessment of Anonymous Threat to Control Systems" that was drafted by the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) back in September. The document is not classified, but it is intended for official use only. The report describes an interest within Anonymous to target industrial control systems.

generation net: do youngsters prefer virtual lives to real world?

from daily mail: Children are often happier with their online lives than they are with reality, a survey has revealed. They say they can be exactly who they want to be – and as soon as something is no longer fun they can simply hit the quit button.

The study also shows that, despite concerns about online safety, one in eight young people is in contact with strangers when on the web and often lies about their appearance, age and background. Researchers for children's charity Kidscape assessed the online activities of 2,300 11- to 18-year-olds from across the UK and found that 45% said they were sometimes happier online than in their real lives.

The report – "Virtual Lives: It is more than a game, it is your life" – lays bare the attitudes of children today to the internet and includes revealing insights into how they feel when they are on the web.

One told researchers: "It’s easier to be who you want to be, because nobody knows you and if you don’t like the situation you can just exit and it is over." Another said: "You can say anything online. You can talk to people that you don’t normally speak to and you can edit your pictures so you look better. It is as if you are a completely different person."

flashback: growing up digital, wired for distraction

defcon 7/8: 'perfect citizen' meets big brother

nsa creating spy system to monitor domestic infrastructure*
report: US building system to detect cyber-attacks*
US plans 'cyber shield' to detect cyber attacks on infrastructure*
nsa says 'perfect citizen' is a research program*
nsa to spy on 'critical infrastructure', says wsj*
the cybersecurity directive goes viral*
download: gao slams white house for failing to lead on cybersecurity*
the lights are going out for free speech on the net*
germany officials launch legal action against facebook*
US largely ruling out nkorea in 2009 cyberattacks*
porn pranksters have field day with youtube injection flaw*

china steps up cyber attacks on US

from allgov: Whether it’s using human spies or launching attacks in cyberspace, China is stepping up its intelligence efforts against American security. Experts from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission told Congress this week in a report that Chinese hackers are going after U.S. military and civilian websites more than ever.

Pentagon officials informed members of the commission that China was the biggest reason for a 20% rise in cyber-attacks against the Defense Department in 2008. The military also has warned that such attacks are expected to jump another 60% by the end of this year. Although much of the hacking is done by individuals in China, U.S. officials insist the infiltration attempts are done with the blessing, if not encouragement, of leaders in Beijing.

The commission’s report revealed that China is actively trying to recruit Americans to spy on Washington and domestic industries. Beijing is also trying to influence American think tanks and university researchers by granting access to Chinese officials, while denying visas to those who criticize the Chinese government.