The Center for Democracy and Technology posted a report from 20 of the leading experts in computer and network security criticizing the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) proposal to require makers of secure communication tools to redesign their systems to make them wiretap compatible. Currently, the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) requires telecommunications carriers enable law enforcement officials to conduct electronic surveillance pursuant to court order or other lawful authorization. From the report CALEA II: Risks of Wiretap Modifications to Endpoints: “This report explains how mandating wiretap capabilities in endpoints poses serious security risks. Requiring software vendors to build intercept functionality into their products is unwis Read more text

In a new report by The American Security Project, authors Nick Cunningham and Danielle Parillo focus on the increasing threat that climate change poses to the United States and the world as a whole. “Protecting the Homeland: The Rising Costs of Inaction on Climate Change” argues that the United States needs to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions with haste. Moreover, the federal government should be prepared for the environmental and economic consequences of the climate change that has already occurred. “Even if all carbon emissions could be eliminated immediately, we would continue to experience changes in the Earth’s climate over the next several decades. This is due to a lag effect – the climate will continue to change in the coming years because of Read more text

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers the Food Defense Plan Builder which “is a user-friendly software program designed to assist owners and operators of food facilities with developing personalized food defense plans for their facilities. This user-friendly tool harnesses existing FDA tools, guidance, and resources for food defense into one single application.” “Food Defense is the effort to protect the food supply against intentional contamination due to sabotage, terrorism, counterfeiting, or other illegal, intentionally harmful means.” “The Food Defense Plan Builder guides the user through the following sections: – Company Information – Broad Mitigation Strategies – Vulnerability Assessment – Focuse Read more text