InfraGard Members Alliance Houston

New York Metro InfraGard Chapter invites all members to complete Iphone survey

Brief survey to collect information relative to rollout of Iphone in enterprises:  Go to: https://www.nym-infragard.us/cms/component/content/article/126

Chapter update February 2010

Chapter update for February 2010

Note: All chapter updates are also available as podcasts.

To access the current podcast click here: InfraGardHoustonUpdate Feb 2010

Full text:

We have just completed our first general meeting of two-thousand-ten at the SecureWorld Expo conference at Reliant Center.  Members were briefed on the communications process implemented in January.  It included reminding the members that they should be receiving an email each month from the listserv.  If they are not getting at least one email, they should go to the website and select the Member Resources tab for further instructions.

Based upon our experience and a survey distributed last year we are only reaching twenty-five percent of the membership.  All future communications will be driven from the website.  The order in which information is released will be: the Houston InfraGard website, Twitter, Facebook, and lastly email.  It should be noted that not all communications will be made via email; however all will be posted on the website. Members were then provided a briefing on the Twitter and Facebook options.

FBI Anonymous Cyber Survey

The Houston FBI field office requested the Houston InfraGard Chapter to participate in an anonymous Cyber Survey.  We were able to rapidly deploy the survey to our new website, and further drive the communication with Twitter and Facebook.  Members and guests of the conference were also able to complete the survey and leave it at the booth.  All members are encouraged to complete the survey and mail (without name/address, or any identifiers) to our FBI Coordinator whose address is listed on the Leadership tab of the website.  Click here for the link to the survey.  The results of the survey will be posted sometime after June.

New Volunteer Coordinator and volunteer opportunities

We announced our new Volunteer Coordinator – Gladys Koontz who will be facilitating volunteers in various projects.  Please see the Sponsors/Volunteers tab for more information on opportunities and a link to the Volunteer Registration form. We have once again been requested to assist Harris County with the Primary Elections on Tuesday arch 2^nd.  If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a Volunteer Registration form on the site.

March Field Trip/Meeting

We have reserved space on the Sam Houston, Port of Houston Boat Tour on Wednesday March 10, 2010 at 2:00pm.  We have limited space, so please go to the Event Calendar  tab and select the Port Tour and click on the "RSVP" link  (we must have your name 48 hours before the departure for security purposes).  We will be given a tour of the Houston Ship Channel.  We are coordinating with the US Coast Guard, and the Port of Houston to provide a speaker during, or after the tour.

 Election of Officers

Nathan King a Houston Board member is coordinating nominations for officers for 2010-2012; we will be communicating the details of that process in the next several weeks.

Meeting speakers

Our general meeting speaker was Special Agent Randall Clark who spoke about Protecting Children From Online Sexual Exploitation  He discussed the FBI's Innocent Images program, addressing the proliferation of child pornography and the danger of sexual predators victimizing children via the Internet.  Randall provided insight into the mind of how a predator lures their victims.  It was very illuminating, informative, and I would highly recommend it to parents of children already using cell/smart phones, or the internet.  This is something every parent should know, and something everyone in IT security should understand.  The Innocent Images Squad presents regularly to schools, churches, and parents groups.

Our keynote speaker Rich Garcia spoke about his involvement in one of the largest spy stings in United States history, when he was based in Washington DC.  He was directly involved in the case and his actual activities were later used to create the Hollywood film “Breach”.  He spoke of the complexity of the case, and all the preparations necessary to acquire evidence to indict, and eventually convict a former FBI agent who leaked classified information to the Russians.

2010 Gulf South Hurricane Response Multi-State Full Scale Exercise

The Houston Chapter will be participating in conjunction with the InfraGard National Members Alliance in coordination with the National Sheriff’s Association and various State Sheriff’s Associations, critical infrastructure associations and firms.  The multi-state Full Scale Exercise of a disaster-scene access control tool is being developed for use by law enforcement checkpoint operators, with a view toward nationwide adoption.  The Exercise will seek to empower and re-use any existing credential trusted by law enforcement, and facilitate the handoff of Essential Personnel Lists from large firms and groups needing disaster reentry permission to law enforcement personnel charged with operating disaster reentry checkpoints.  Additional details will be provided as they are released. 

No-cost on-line training opportunity

The Adaptive Cyber-Security Training Online courses are now available on the TEEX Domestic Preparedness Campus. This DHS/FEMA Certified Cyber-Security Training is designed to ensure that the privacy, reliability, and integrity of the information systems that power our global economy remain intact and secure.  The 10 courses are offered through three discipline-specific tracks targeting everyday non-technical computer users, technical IT professionals, and business managers and professionals.   These courses are offered at no cost and students earn a DHS/FEMA Certificate of completion along with Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the completion of each course.

Collaboration within the sectors

During the next several months, we will be rolling out our Sector Chief program.  If you are interested in becoming a Sector Chief please see the sponsor and volunteer tab for additional details.  The goal is to enable communication in smaller workgroups, and target communications to those who need to know.  It also provides a point person for the sector to other authorities.  We intend to provide "blog" space for each Sector Chief to provide late breaking information relative to critical infrastructure protection.

Hope to see you on the boat tour.  I’m Bob Janusaitis, and we'll talk to you next month.

Previous podcasts are available by selecting the applicable update listed in the Categories on  the home page under Chapter Updates.

DHS/FEMA State Cybersecurity Training

The Adaptive Cyber-Security Training Online (ACT-Online) courses are now available on the TEEX Domestic Preparedness Campus. This DHS/FEMA Certified Cyber-Security Training is designed to ensure that the privacy, reliability, and integrity of the information systems that power our global economy remain intact and secure.

The 10 courses are offered through three discipline-specific tracks targeting everyday non-technical computer users, technical IT professionals, and business managers and professionals.

These courses are offered at no cost and students earn a DHS/FEMA Certificate of completion along with Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the completion of each course.

http://teexweb.tamu.edu/teex.cfm?pageid=OGTprog&area=OGT&templateid=1810

Port of Houston Boat Tour

We have made reservations for a boat tour of the Houston Ship Channel on Wednesday March 10, 2010 at 2:00.  We have availability for 35 members.  We must have your reservation at least 5 days before the event and you must register through the Events calendar on this site at: Reservations

If you do not register you will not be admitted to the vessel.  Please only make reservations if you can attend since we have limited space.  For more information on the tour please visit: Sam Houston Boat Tour

FBI Cyber Survey (Anonymous)

In conjunction with the Houston Division of the FBI we are conducting a survey of Cyber Activity.  The survey is intended to gather general information about what is being observed in cyberspace.  The survey is specifically designed to provide the highest level of anonymity.  It should be printed, and completed with no company or personal identifiers.  You may mail it in an envelope (without a return address) to the InfraGard Coordinator: FBI, Attn: SA Noel Due, 1 Justice Park Drive, Houston, Texas 77092; or place it in the drop box at a future meeting.

The results of the survey will be posted publicly sometime in the second quarter.

Cyber survey

Join us at the Secureworld Expo Feb 11, 2010

for our next InfraGard meeting at the SecureWorld Expo held at Reliant Center for a continental breakfast beginning at 8:15, followed by a presentation by Special Agent Randall Clark of the FBI and a keynote address by Rich Garcia.

Refer to the conference website for details: http://www.secureworldexpo.com/events/index.php?id=278

Call for volunteers - We need you!

We are looking for members who are interested in getting involved in various aspects of chapter administration.  We have a number of tasks that provide an opportunity to get involved and not require excessive time.

We have provided a number of volunteer opportunities in the past including, assisting the county in general elections, providing subject matter experts to government and industry, participating in working groups regarding critical infrastructure and emergency management, as well as other activities. 

Refer to the current opportunities for more information.

 

Anyone interested in these areas is encouraged to contact our Volunteer Coordinator through the Volunteer Registration form. 

  

Intel Chief: U.S. at Risk of Crippling Cyber Attack

FOXNews.com

The United States is at risk of a crippling cyber attack that could "wreak havoc" on the country because the "technological balance" makes it much easier to launch a cyber strike than defend against it, Director of National Intelligence Dennis Blair said Tuesday. See article for details:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/02/03/intel-chief-risk-crippling-cyber-attack/

Social media play part in Haiti's recovery efforts

Department of Homeland security active in using social media during Haiti relief efforts.  See article in

USA Today: http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2010-02-01-haiti-monitor-social-media_N.htm