[Pontiac]

May be leftist, but is a concern.

Well pretty much of our entire defense communications system is a concern.

Almost all of our communications are satellite based.

Last I knew we have no way of defending our satellites. It easy and cheep to attack satellites but almost impossible to defend them.

If we are to have a secure communication system it will have to be hard wired and that would be incredibly expensive considering the distances.

[KoRn]

" If we are to have a secure communication system it will have to be hard wired and that would be incredibly expensive considering the distances."

I'm not familiar with satellite communications, but one would think there would be a means of strong encryption to prevent interception of data and penetration of networks.

[sonsofliberty2000]

Which begs the question of why being concerned about this is leftist? My focus is not on labeling magazines as left or right, but rating the content of individuals articles as right or wrong. We occupy our time way too much throwing stones at the opposition.

[ASOC]

Little of the network discussed is carried by satellite.

What struck me was the comment about the 'inside threat'. A lot of the folks supporting the system - in Alaska - are National Guard and a lot of contractors. That makes for a pretty mobile environment (personnel turnover). I can see where password control is an issue. (Note - this is all open source info)

In my limited experience as a network dude, users posed at least as much of a hazard to a network as the supposed "Bulgarian (blackhat) hacker".

I did see several recent job postings on the web for work in AK for network security that required a current Secret clearance - perhaps some of the more expert FReepers might be interested?