An interesting development that went mostly un-noticed in the broader press coverage dealing with homeland security.

The short version is that while the Zotob worm was running rough-shod over the ‘Net last August CBP computer systems went belly-up. The initial reports said that the worm was to blame, but that was quickly retracted and the excuse was that the crash was “routine.” A lot of folks bought this excuse because, as front-line CBP personnel said at the time, the system crashes about as often most of us change our underwear.

At the time I wrote that either way, this was no way to run a system that is at the pointy-end of our efforts to prevent bad guys from entering the country. It appears that barring an appeal the CBP is now obliged to release under a FOIA request records related to the un-infection. No matter how it plays out my original comment still stands: if we can’t keep a simple system like this secured, we’re asking for trouble.

About the Author

Michael Tanji

Michael Tanji spent nearly 20 years in the US intelligence community. Trained in both SIGINT and HUMINT disciplines he has worked at the Defense Intelligence Agency, the National Security Agency, and the National Reconnaissance Office. At various points in his career he served as an expert in information warfare, computer network operations, computer forensics, and indications and warning. A veteran of the US Army, Michael has served in both strategic and tactical assignments in the Pacific Theater, the Balkans, and the Middle East.