Chapter update for February 2010
Note: All chapter updates are also available as podcasts.
To access the current podcast click here: InfraGardHoustonUpdate Feb 2010
Full text:
We have just completed our first general meeting of two-thousand-ten at the SecureWorld Expo conference at Reliant Center. Members were briefed on the communications process implemented in January. It included reminding the members that they should be receiving an email each month from the listserv. If they are not getting at least one email, they should go to the website and select the Member Resources tab for further instructions.
Based upon our experience and a survey distributed last year we are only reaching twenty-five percent of the membership. All future communications will be driven from the website. The order in which information is released will be: the Houston InfraGard website, Twitter, Facebook, and lastly email. It should be noted that not all communications will be made via email; however all will be posted on the website. Members were then provided a briefing on the Twitter and Facebook options.
FBI Anonymous Cyber Survey
The Houston FBI field office requested the Houston InfraGard Chapter to participate in an anonymous Cyber Survey. We were able to rapidly deploy the survey to our new website, and further drive the communication with Twitter and Facebook. Members and guests of the conference were also able to complete the survey and leave it at the booth. All members are encouraged to complete the survey and mail (without name/address, or any identifiers) to our FBI Coordinator whose address is listed on the Leadership tab of the website. Click here for the link to the survey. The results of the survey will be posted sometime after June.
New Volunteer Coordinator and volunteer opportunities
We announced our new Volunteer Coordinator – Gladys Koontz who will be facilitating volunteers in various projects. Please see the Sponsors/Volunteers tab for more information on opportunities and a link to the Volunteer Registration form. We have once again been requested to assist Harris County with the Primary Elections on Tuesday arch 2nd. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a Volunteer Registration form on the site.
March Field Trip/Meeting
We have reserved space on the Sam Houston, Port of Houston Boat Tour on Wednesday March 10, 2010 at 2:00pm. We have limited space, so please go to the Event Calendar tab and select the Port Tour and click on the "RSVP" link (we must have your name 48 hours before the departure for security purposes). We will be given a tour of the Houston Ship Channel. We are coordinating with the US Coast Guard, and the Port of Houston to provide a speaker during, or after the tour.
Election of Officers
Nathan King a Houston Board member is coordinating nominations for officers for 2010-2012; we will be communicating the details of that process in the next several weeks.
Meeting speakers
Our general meeting speaker was Special Agent Randall Clark who spoke about Protecting Children From Online Sexual Exploitation He discussed the FBI's Innocent Images program, addressing the proliferation of child pornography and the danger of sexual predators victimizing children via the Internet. Randall provided insight into the mind of how a predator lures their victims. It was very illuminating, informative, and I would highly recommend it to parents of children already using cell/smart phones, or the internet. This is something every parent should know, and something everyone in IT security should understand. The Innocent Images Squad presents regularly to schools, churches, and parents groups.
Our keynote speaker Rich Garcia spoke about his involvement in one of the largest spy stings in United States history, when he was based in Washington DC. He was directly involved in the case and his actual activities were later used to create the Hollywood film “Breach”. He spoke of the complexity of the case, and all the preparations necessary to acquire evidence to indict, and eventually convict a former FBI agent who leaked classified information to the Russians.
2010 Gulf South Hurricane Response Multi-State Full Scale Exercise
The Houston Chapter will be participating in conjunction with the InfraGard National Members Alliance in coordination with the National Sheriff’s Association and various State Sheriff’s Associations, critical infrastructure associations and firms. The multi-state Full Scale Exercise of a disaster-scene access control tool is being developed for use by law enforcement checkpoint operators, with a view toward nationwide adoption. The Exercise will seek to empower and re-use any existing credential trusted by law enforcement, and facilitate the handoff of Essential Personnel Lists from large firms and groups needing disaster reentry permission to law enforcement personnel charged with operating disaster reentry checkpoints. Additional details will be provided as they are released.
No-cost on-line training opportunity
The Adaptive Cyber-Security Training Online courses are now available on the TEEX Domestic Preparedness Campus. This DHS/FEMA Certified Cyber-Security Training is designed to ensure that the privacy, reliability, and integrity of the information systems that power our global economy remain intact and secure. The 10 courses are offered through three discipline-specific tracks targeting everyday non-technical computer users, technical IT professionals, and business managers and professionals. These courses are offered at no cost and students earn a DHS/FEMA Certificate of completion along with Continuing Education Units (CEU) at the completion of each course.
Collaboration within the sectors
During the next several months, we will be rolling out our Sector Chief program. If you are interested in becoming a Sector Chief please see the sponsor and volunteer tab for additional details. The goal is to enable communication in smaller workgroups, and target communications to those who need to know. It also provides a point person for the sector to other authorities. We intend to provide "blog" space for each Sector Chief to provide late breaking information relative to critical infrastructure protection.
Hope to see you on the boat tour. I’m Bob Janusaitis, and we'll talk to you next month.
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