Re: White House net security paper

[Jared Mauch <jared () puck nether net>]

On Jun 1, 2009, at 8:32 AM, Sean Donelan wrote:

> If people think that support for R&E programs should be cut instead,  
> I guess that is also a useful data point. It would be noteworthy  
> that any group advocated a cut in their own funding.
>
>  "The Federal government, with the participation of all departments  
> and
>  agencies, should expand support for key education programs and  
> research
>  and development to ensure the Nation~Rs continued ability to  
> compete in
>  the information age economy. Existing programs should be evaluated  
> and
>  possibly expanded, and other activities could serve as models for
>  additional programs."
>
> Jared's message earlier had the information about how you could  
> participate
> if you have suggestions.

There have been numerous recommendations over the years to improve  
education and training of IT/Security professionals directed at either  
DHS, EOP and other agencies.  I see a critical gap in this space  
myself.  There are not enough people that are truly skilled in this  
space.  Perhaps this need will never be met, but with the consistent  
threat of compromise facing any network connected organization, there  
need to be people who are trained to respond.

There just are not enough skilled network & security engineers out  
there.  US-CERT (as an example) is always hiring, and I have heard  
stories of people going from fast-food to trying to decipher intrusion  
data because they could get their TS/SCI.

I'm certain that anyone who can combine two skills (computers,  
computer networks or data forensics) with some criminal justice could  
help fight the bad guys.  There is a severe lack of talent here.

	- Jared