Information Policy

German e-Government: Details about critical vulnerabilities in core communication library

The OSCI-transport protocol is used for data exchange between public agencies. It is the obligatory communication protocol for public administrations and therefore the basis for e-government in Germany [1]. It attempts to provide a secure channel [2] for communication between government agencies [3]. Right now the protocol is used in many different areas such as the population registration [4], the public health system [5] and the justice system (currently migrating to version 2.0) [6]. OSCI-transport claims to provide confidentiality, integrity, authenticity and non-repudiation for content exchanged even over insecure channels such as the Internet [1]. This, among other things, means that an attacker should not be able to read or manipulate messages.

How ‘digital hygiene’ can beat the hackers

Internet users are leaving themselves open to hackers who will access their personal accounts and employer’s systems, resulting in disruption and financial losses.

Security consultants warned that a spate of cyber attacks, including the Wannacry and Petya viruses, has held businesses to ransom.

Among the victims were the Ukrainian central bank and Russian oil giant Rosneft.

UN’s Internet Governance Forum (IGF) tackles online extremism

Today’s column is from the 11th annual Internet Governance Forum (IGF), this year in Guadalajara, Mexico. IGF is a United Nations-sponsored “multi-stakeholder” conference. Unlike many U.N. events, it is open not just to representatives of member states, but also to “civil society” (non-profits), academia and industry.

The cyberattack that changed the world

By Patrick Howell O'Neill

Some moments that change the course of history are obvious instantly.

The Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The 2003 invasion of Iraq. Broadcast live around the globe, the gruesome images of these events set the stage for the 21st century. Everyone knew it even while the cameras were rolling.

Others you have likely never heard of.

Brazilian Cybercrime Bills Threaten Open Internet for 200 Million People

Brazilian internet freedom activists are nervous. On Wednesday, a committee in the lower house of Congress, the Câmera dos Deputados, will vote on seven proposals ostensibly created to combat cybercrime. Critics argue the combined effect will be to substantially restrict open internet in the country by peeling back the right to anonymity, and providing law enforcement with draconian powers to censor online discourse and examine citizens’ personal data without judicial oversight.