Category Archives: NSA

The National Security Agency (NSA) is working with big defense industrial base companies on information sharing on cyber issues, Defense Department Acting Chief Information Officer Kelly Fletcher said during an interview at the Billington CyberSecurity Summit on Thursday.

"To talk a little bit about what NSA is doing, I think it's very cool. They're focused on big defense industrial base companies, and when they say they're a collaboration center, they are a collaboration center. They are really trying to say 'Hey, we have some exquisite information.' It's the NSA. But also these commercial entities, these big companies, they have some pretty unique and interesting information. So we're working to collaborate, sort of for the common good," Fletcher said.

The US government's pivot to a so-called "zero trust" cyber architecture - which assumes all devices in a network to be untrustworthy by default - will require the support of industry partners as well as the Defense Department, Fletcher added.

Visit link:
Pentagon says NSA working with big companies on cyber information sharing - ETCIO.com

As part of its continued work to highlight the serious and devastating issue of sheep worrying by dogs, the National Sheep Association (NSA) is excited to launch a new childrens competition that could help raise awareness to dog walkers and others enjoying the countryside.

The NSA is challenging children in three age groups; Under eight, eight to 12 and 13 to 16, to design a sign suitable to be displayed on fence posts and around farmland reminding dog walkers to keep their pet on a lead when walking in areas where sheep may be present.

Sheep worrying by dogs is a serious issue for sheep farmers often resulting in injuries and even death of affected sheep.

The stress experienced by sheep following chasing or physical attacks can also have devastating consequences with pregnant sheep at risk of miscarrying their unborn lambs.

It is not just the physical injuries to sheep that make the issue of serious concern to the sheep sector with farmers themselves reporting that their mental well-being has been compromised due to the worry of potential attacks happening or over those that have already taken place.

NSA communications officer Katie James commented:

For many years, the NSA, as well as many other farming bodies have highlighted the seriousness of this issue and has taken actions such as supplying free farm signs to sheep farmers to try and alert dog walkers of the risk posed to sheep and other livestock from their pet if allowed to run off lead.

Unfortunately the NSA is aware that too often these signs are ignored.

But it is hard to ignore a plea from a child. We therefore hope our new competition could create a resource that catches the publics eye and shows them, through the eyes of children, the devastation that could take place if they fail to keep their dogs under control and on a lead when near livestock.

All at the NSA look forward to receiving entries from farm kids who may have been themselves affected by the issue but also from any children keen to help attacks on sheep from happening.

To assist children wishing to take part in the competition, NSA has produced a downloadable template for children to use for their design either through drawing and colouring by hand or by using their IT design skills.

The winning designer will receive some Halloween goodies and will have their sign made into a downloadable resource that sheep farmers can use to try and prevent sheep worrying attacks by dogs from taking place on their farms.

RELATED STORIES

Read more:
NSA competition asks children to help in the fight against sheep worrying by dogs - Agriland.co.uk

Kremlin strongly disagrees with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's accusations that Russia utilises its energy resources as a weapon, according to spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

"This is an incorrect conclusion. To begin with, Europeans acknowledge that Russia is fully complying with all of its responsibilities on a state-by-state basis. Second, Russia is prepared to immediately consider new contracts, which are an undisputed damper on present market volatility; this is not a secret; it has been stated numerous times," Peskov said in a press conference.

The Kremlin official highlighted that Russia has never interrupted gas deliveries 'even in the most difficult periods,'because it never uses energy resources as a political pressure tool.

"The United States is the one that is continuously threatening penalties against purely commercial energy projects that could help to stabilise European energy markets significantly. In this case, the US is directly using energy issues as a tool for political and commercial blackmail. Russia has been and will continue to be a responsible country that is committed to its obligations and prepared to meet the growing energy resource needs of our European partners," Peskov further remarked.

The tussle began on October 7, when Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov hinted that, depending on the demand, Russia would increase natural gas providers. Following that, US NSA, Jake Sullivan stated that Russia has a history of using energy as a weapon of coercion.

After negotiations with the European Union and NATO in Brussels, Sullivan, the US NSA, claimed that the US is concerned that supply is not keeping up with rising demand for a variety of reasons.

The price of a cubic metre of gas exceeded $1,700 at the start of the bid on Wednesday, and it continued to grow throughout the day, reaching more than $1,900. However, Europe's soaring gas prices dipped on Thursday, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin suggested his country could sell more gas to European spot buyers through its domestic market in addition to existing long-term contracts.

The European Union has been struggling to fill its gas reserves as winter approaches, as member nations rely on imports for the majority of their gas supplies.

Read the original:
Kremlin refutes US NSA Sullivan's claims of Russia using energy resources as weapon - Republic World

Former United States National Security Advisor (NSA) General (Retired) H R McMaster has advised US lawmakers against any fresh aid to Pakistan.

McMaster, while testifying before a powerful Congressional committee, said that Pakistan has "had it both ways" for way too long and asked the lawmakers to hold Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan accountable for his statements after the fall of Kabul in August.

McMaster was the NSA during the previous Donald Trump administration in US.

I don't think we should give any assistance to Pakistan at all. I think Pakistan has had it both ways for way too long. I think Pakistan should be confronted with its behavior over the years that has actually resulted, I think, in large measure in this outcome, McMaster said, reports Hindustan Times.

Earlier, US had blocked all security assistance to Pakistan during the Trump Administration. The current Biden administration has not resumed the security aid yet.

I think we ought to hold Imran Khan responsible for his comments when Kabul fell and he said that the Afghan people have been unshackled. Why should we send a dime to Pakistan under any conditions? I think that they should be confronted with international isolation because of their support for jihadist terrorists, who are threats to humanity, including the Haqqani network, the Taliban, and groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, he said.

During the Congressional hearing of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, McMaster also said that it was a good idea to remove Pakistan's status as a major non-NATO ally.

Read the rest here:
'Pakistan Should Be Confronted With International Isolation For Supporting Jihadist Terrorists': Former US NSA - Swarajya

The infamous US whistleblower Edward Snowden criticized CBDCs potential impact on the financial network. He labeled them as a perversion of cryptocurrency and a cryptofascist currency, as they could grant a lot of power to the governments and leave less freedom to the people.

The computer programmer who worked as a subcontractor for the National Security Agency (NSA) Edward Snowden opined strongly against the potential use cases of central bank digital currencies. In a recent note called Your Money and Your Life, he opposed the belief that a CBDC will be the representation of the digital dollar, explaining:

I will tell you what a CBDC is NOT it is NOT, as Wikipedia might tell you, a digital dollar. After all, most dollars are already digital, existing not as something folded in your wallet, but as an entry in a banks database, faithfully requested and rendered beneath the glass of your phone.

Snowed further explained on Twitter the main disadvantages of central bank digital currencies:

A CBDC is a perversion of cryptocurrency, or at least of the founding principles and protocols of cryptocurrency a cryptofascist currency.

He added that launching the financial tool would put the government at the center of every transaction, meaning less ownership of money from the general population and thus less freedom.

As an example of his statement, Snowden pointed out China. There, the total ban on everything crypto, alongside the release of the digital-yuan, is intended to increase the ability of the State to impose itself in the middle of every last transaction.

The 38-year-old American, who now resides in Russia because of his issues with the US government, has been both a critic and an admirer of the leading cryptocurrency throughout the years.

He interacted with bitcoin after embezzling numerous classified documents from the National Security Agency, such as proof of mass government surveillance, espionage, computer hacking, and phone tapping. Snowden admitted he used BTC to help him reveal the stolen information:

The servers that I used to transfer this information to journalists were paid for using bitcoin.

In March this year, Snowden stated that the digital assets operational structure has many disadvantages, especially when it comes to financial privacy:

Bitcoin sucks in many ways, such as financial privacy.

Last week, though, he praised bitcoins stability, saying that the Chinese ban only strengthened it. Thus, he joined the party of people who believe that the harsh stance on crypto in the most populated country is a huge opportunity for further progress of BTC.

Featured Image Courtesy of Politico

PrimeXBT Special Offer: Use this link to register & enter POTATO50 code to get 50% free bonus on any deposit up to 1 BTC.

More here:
Edward Snowden: CBDC Is a Perversion of Cryptocurrency - CryptoPotato

National Security Agency (NSA) Director Paul Nakasone predicted Tuesday that the rate of ransomware attacks will not slow down in the next five years, and said efforts to counter those threats must remain constant as well.

Every single day, Nakasone said when asked how often the U.S. would face ransomware attacks in five years, during a conversation at cybersecurity firm Mandiants Cyber Defense Summit Tuesday.

We are persistently engaged, and being persistently engaged, you have unique insights that you can develop, you have unique capabilities you can bring forward, there are matters upon which you can engage your adversaries, said Nakasone, who also serves as commander of U.S. Cyber Command. I think if you leave that, then your adversaries have determined in due course what they are going to do.

Mandiant CEO Kevin Mandia, whose company responds to ransomware attacks and other cyber incidents, noted the need to keep the uniform on following Nakasones prediction around ransomware attacks.

While ransomware attacks are nothing new, they have escalated over the past year during the COVID-19 pandemic, with cybercriminals going after vulnerable groups such as schools and hospitals thataremore likely to pay to quickly regain access to encrypted systems.

Ransomware attacks have risen to become a national security threat in recent months following high-profile attacks on Colonial Pipeline, which provides 45 percent of the East Coasts fuel, on meat producer JBS USA, and on IT company Kaseya,which impactedup to 1,500 companies it worked with.

The Biden administration has been proactive in taking a stand against ransomware attacks, with President BidenJoe BidenBiden and Xi Jinping to hold virtual summit by end of this year Facebook whistleblower to meet with Jan. 6 committee: report On The Money Presented by NRHC Senate nears debt ceiling ceasefire MORE pressuring Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Vladimirovich PutinBiden and Xi Jinping to hold virtual summit by end of this year High prices, winter shortages delay arrival of post-fossil-fuel world NSA director expects to be facing ransomware attacks 'every single day' in five years MORE to take action against cybercriminals within Russias borders during their in-person meeting in Geneva earlier this year.

Later this month, the administration will continue an effort to reduce ransomware attacks when the White House National Security Council convenes 30 countries to address cybersecurity concerns.

Anne Neuberger, the deputy national security advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology, also spoke at the Mandiant conference Tuesday, describing the upcoming meeting as a counter-ransomware initiative with a focus on cryptocurrency, resilience, disruption and diplomacy.

Theres been a great deal of interest in countries around the world participating in these tracks, discussing how we partner, and discussing how we build an enduring partnership to make us most effective, and its exciting to work with allies and partners to make forward progress against these hard problems, Neuberger said.

When asked by Mandia if she believed the U.S. would still be facing ransomware attacks every day in five years, Neuberger said she was hopeful that would not be the case.

While Nakasone was pessimistic about the future of ransomware attacks, he expressed optimism around the national attention on cybersecurity and the talent pool working for the government, following a tough year of attacks.

I think our nation realizes how important that cybersecurity is for our economy, our informational capabilities, and our defense, Nakasone said. I feel really good about the future, I feel really good about where were headed.

See the original post here:
NSA director expects to be facing ransomware attacks 'every single day' in five years | TheHill - The Hill

Happy Weekend Greenpoint! We made it to October 2021. Wild. Remember to tag @Greenpointers on Instagram with all your favorite pics of the leaves changing, the autumnal sunsets and all the beautiful things that make this season so special in North Brooklyn.

This week, we reported on the opening of Nikes new Williamsburg shop, a different concept from traditional retail.

We also showcased the openings of Mos General, a pizzeria and provisions store, as well as No Strings Attached Noodle Bar, which merges Italian-American and Japanese cuisine, seamlessly. Those craving some fall flavors can also book it to Peter Pan, where the new fall menu features delicious apple and pumpkin treats. And if tacos are more your thing, we covered the opening of the new and very popular Taqueria Ramirez.

Keep stretching your stomach: A pierogi eating contest is coming to the neighborhood this October! And the prizes are generous.

Those in need of some seated entertainment can enjoy the newly relaunched Nitehawk Cinema in Williamsburg, which has a slew of film series coming up.

Also in the neighborhood, Casa Ora unfortunately experienced its third break in this month and is looking for assistance. Those who want to help with Hurricane Idea relief can also participate in a weekend karaoke fundraiser at the Williamsburg School of Music.

And of course, we have our weekly roundup of weekend events to look forward to! As always, check out our seasonal Fashion Sundae for fall fit inspiration.

More here:
Greenpoint This Week: Mo's General, NSA Noodle Bar and more - greenpointers.com

The Transparency in Coverage Rule (TiC), published October 2020, provides consumers better insight into the cost of services before obtaining care and receiving a bill.

We know what youre thinking. The deadline for compliance is rapidly approaching.

Weve got your back.

We also provide legislative expertise and guidance to help plans manage the complexity introduced by both the NSA and the TiC Rule.

And while these new requirements will add complexity to healthcare claim processing and administration, both pre- and post-service, the ruling's most significant impact lies in two key areas: transparency and member engagement and out-of-network (OON) claim processing and payment.

Zelis Machine-Readable Files will address out-of-network (OON) MRF data requirements for Zelis-priced OON claims. We will also offer in-network (INN) MRF data with median INN rates for clients whose primary networks are owned or managed by Zelis.

Zelis Member ID will enable enhanced ID card capabilities to print compliant ID cards with additional required information including member deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, and information on where to find in-network providers.

Zelis Member Communications will publish compliant AEOBs (both print and digital) with the ability to handle increased volume.

Zelis will offer compliant directories for clients whose primary networks are owned or managed by Zelis.

Zelis Market-Based Pricing offers payers a fully outsourced solution that meets No Surprises Act (NSA) compliance immediately upon implementation. Moreover, we provide the Qualifying Payment Amount (QPA), provider payment amount, provider settlement, and support in an Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR.)

Market-Based Pricing calculates reasonable and acceptable reimbursements benchmarked by procedure, provider, and geography.

Zelis Claims Negotiation succeeds through a combination of expertise, proactive provider outreach, and a demonstrable validity of market rates, driving a high rate of successfully retained savings prior to payment.

Because providers can no longer balance bill the member for NSA claims, their billing practices on these claims are likely to change. Zelis will offer expert guidance for negotiating with providers and incorporating market median data for NSA claims.

Zelis Claims Settlement manages the settlement process on your behalf to ensure compliance by defending, negotiating, and providing data needed for successful settlement, all within the timeframes required by the NSA.

As part of the IDR process, Zelis Claim Resolution will leverage our negotiations and claim settlement expertise, provide data, analytics, and reporting to support and defend clients in IDR, all within the time frames specified in the NSA.

Some providers may use the threat of arbitration to persuade payers to settle for higher reimbursements. Zelis will help you understand the impact of various pricing strategies and their likelihood of acceptance. Zelis will collect, aggregate, and analyze claims settlement and arbitration data to develop a predictive model that illustrates the overall effectiveness of pricing and arbitration results, and how those evolve over time.

The No Surprises Act and Transparency in Coverage Rule will impact all healthcare organizations, from large health plans and systems to small medical offices and individual providers. As such, leaders across the healthcare industry must directly understand the details of the legislation prior to implementation or have a trusted advisor with legislative expertise who can guide them to appropriate solutions.

Zelis can help.

To further explore getting started with NSA compliance, reach out to your Zelis representative or contact us here.

For access to additional information, visit Zelis No Surprises Act Information Hub.

As a leading payments company in healthcare, Zelis prices, pays, and explains healthcare for payers, providers, and healthcare consumers. Zelis was founded on the belief that there is a better way to determine the cost of a healthcare claim, manage payment-related data, and make the payment. We partner with more than 700 payers, including the top-5 national health plans, Blues plans, regional health plans, TPAs and self-insured employers, 1.5 million providers and millions of members, enabling the healthcare industry to pay for care, with care.

See original here:
Zelis Helps Address New NSA and TiC Regulations - HealthLeaders Media

The National Security Agency and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) released a joint Cybersecurity Information Sheet today detailing factors to consider when choosing a virtual private network (VPN) and top configurations for deploying it securely. Selecting and Hardening Remote Access VPN Solutions also will help leaders in the Department of Defense, National Security Systems and the Defense Industrial Base better understand the risks associated with VPNs.

VPN servers are entry points into protected networks, making them attractive targets. Multiple nation-state advanced persistent threat (APT) actors have weaponized common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) to gain access to vulnerable VPN devices. Exploitation of these CVEs can enable a malicious actor to steal credentials, remotely execute code, weaken encrypted traffics cryptography, hijack encrypted traffic sessions, and read sensitive data from the device. If successful, these effects usually lead to further malicious access and could result in a large-scale compromise to the corporate network.

The Information Sheet details considerations for selecting a remote access VPN, as well as actions to harden the VPN from compromise. Top hardening recommendations include using tested and validated VPN products on theNational Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) Product Compliant List, employing strong authentication methods like multi-factor authentication, promptly applying patches and updates, and reducing the VPNs attack surface by disabling non-VPN-related features.

NSA is releasing this guidance as part of our mission to help secure the Department of Defense, National Security Systems and the Defense Industrial Base.

For more details on how to select a secure VPN and further harden your network,read the full Information Sheet here.

For more cybersecurity guidance, visit NSA.gov/cybersecurity.

Read more at NSA

View original post here:
NSA, CISA Release Guidance on Selecting and Hardening Remote Access VPNs - Hstoday - HSToday

Winners of the 2021 National Cross-Country race event on Thursday, September 30 received additional prizes including cash, certificates, and books authored by the Director-General of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Professor Peter Twumasi.

Winners in both the Male & Female categories were given GH 3,000 whilst the silver medalists pocketed GH 2,000 and bronze medalists taking GH 1,000.

The overall Regional best for male and female, Ashanti and Upper West Regions also received GH 5,000.

The winners were also given certificates and books authored by Prof. Twumasi.

The NSA on Saturday, February 20, this year organized the cross-country race for the third time since 2019 in Sefwi Wiaso in the Western North Region.

In all, about 192 male and female athletes drawn from the sixteen Regions participated in the 10km event where Afful Basit from Central Region came first in the males category with a time of 29.44.14, and Belinda Segbobu of Upper West region also won the females race after clocking 35.11.

The 2022 National Cross-Country race will be held at Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region.

More:
Winners of 2021 National Cross-Country race receive additional prizes from NSA - BusinessGhana