FC: Clinton tells federal agencies to protect against DoS attacks

[Declan McCullagh <declan () wired com>]

                               THE WHITE HOUSE

                        Office of the Press Secretary

  _____________________________________________________________
  For Immediate Release                     March 3, 2000


                                  March 3, 2000


  MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

  SUBJECT:       Action by Federal Agencies to Safeguard Against Internet
                 Attacks


  America and the world have benefited tremendously from the amazing
  advances we have seen with the Internet and computer technology.  But
  with every new technological advance there are new challenges, and we
  must meet them -- both Government and the private sector -- in
  partnership.

  Following recent Internet disruptions, I met with experts and leaders of
  the information technology industry so we could work together to maximize
  the promise of the Internet, while minimizing the risks.  These Internet
  disruptions high-light how important computer networks have become to our
  daily lives; and how vulnerabilities can create risks for all --
  including the Federal Government.

  Accordingly, I ask that each Cabinet Secretary and agency head renew
  their efforts to safeguard their department or agency's computer systems
  against denial-of-service attacks on the Internet.  Within legal and
  administrative limits, attention should also be paid to contrac-tors
  providing services.  The Federal Computer Incident Response Center
  (FEDCirc) and the National Infrastructure Protection Center (NIPC) have
  available software tools to assist you in these efforts.

  I have asked my Chief of Staff, John Podesta, to coordinate a review of
  Federal Government vulnerabilities in this regard and to report back to
  me by April 1.



                                   WILLIAM J. CLINTON



                                  #  #  #



--------------------------------------------------------------------------
POLITECH -- the moderated mailing list of politics and technology
To subscribe: send a message to majordomo () vorlon mit edu with this text:
subscribe politech
More information is at http://www.well.com/~declan/politech/
--------------------------------------------------------------------------