Posted on 12/27/2006 9:54:13 AM PST by Salo
DOD bars use of HTML e-mail, Outlook Web Access
BY Bob Brewin Published on Dec. 22, 2006
Due to an increased network threat condition, the Defense Department is blocking all HTML-based e-mail messages and has banned the use of Outlook Web Access e-mail applications, according to a spokesman for the Joint Task Force for Global Network Operations.
An internal message available on the Internet from the Defense Security Service (DSS) states that JTF-GNO raised the network threat condition from Information Condition 5, which indicates normal operating conditions, to Infocon 4 “in the face of continuing and sophisticated threats” against Defense Department networks.
Infocon 4 usually indicates heightened vigilance in preparation for operations or exercises or increased monitoring of networks due to increased risk of attack.
The JTF-GNO mandated use of plain text e-mail because HTML messages pose a threat to DOD because HTML text can be infected with spyware and, in some cases, executable code that could enable intruders to gain access to DOD networks, the JTF-GNO spokesman said.
In an e-mail to Federal Computer Week, a Navy user said that any HTML messages sent to his account are automatically converted to plain text.
The JTF-GNO spokesman declined to say why the command raised the threat level except to say that Infocon levels are adjusted to reflect worldwide social and political events and activities. He said the current threat level does not bar the use of attachments, including Power Point slides used for briefings.
He also declined to tell FCW what other restrictions on e-mail that JTF-GNO has imposed. But a December 2006 newsletter of the Colorado National Guard said that under Infocon 4, Guard members receiving e-mails from any unknown source, including “mail received from unrecognized Department of Defense accounts,” should be viewed as potentially harmful.
The Colorado Guard newsletter also alerted personnel to be vigilant against e-mail “phishing” attempts to gain personal information.
The ban on use of Outlook Web mail will hit thousands of users at Robins Air Force Base, Ga., according to an internal message available on the Internet. The ban on the use of Outlook Web Access “will significantly impact the way we presently conduct business,” due to the fact that that Web mail is the primary means of e-mail access for 4,500 employees at the base, according to the message.
Robins has developed a work-around for these users to access Outlook directly by logging on to government computers with their common access cards, the internal message said.
JTF-GNO raised the DOD network threat level to Infocon 4 in mid-November after an attack on the networks at the Naval War College (NWC) required NWC to take its systems offline. The JTF-GNO spokesman said at the time that the increase in threat conditions had no relation to the attack against NWC.
That's the way I feel. Even though we have decreased functionality, we still have to meet all of our suspenses. I used to do an hour of email work a night and 2-4 per weekend at home over Outlook Webmail. No more.
You're stretching it, I never claimed those exact things. But how about you put your money where your mouth is? I bet you $20,000.00 minimum, or more, however much you want in fact, that I do live in a 3 story residence over the bay, with a fireplace, hot tub, 55" HDTV, and boat dock with two lifts, both populated. I'll even donate half my winnings to Free Republic, so you won't have to worry about me spending all your money on myself. What do you say? I'm ready and waiting.
First rule of computers: security and convenience are inversely proportional.
Exactly why HTML mail is being filtered, not yet everywhere, but probably eventually. The Chinese are phishing using messages that look like official DoD correspondence, which are of course, quite successful.
Refreshing to see someone else who actually knows what they're talking about.
Yes, but we've always operated behind their firewall.
To be honest, this is more of an inconvenience than anything else.
All we were doing was using colors to highlight revisions to subtasks and using hyperlinks to keep from attaching delivered documents.
I've always prefered plain text E-mail.
"$DAYJOB"?
Old VMS user?
You wouldn't know OWA if it bit you in the nether regions, Iggle, and you know this to be true. But hey, since you're in the business of claiming to do and know things you clearly are ignorant about, did I mention I have been to space...twice?
$20k? Are you sure your unopened Star Trek TNG doll...I mean, ACTION FIGURE, collection is worth that much? Otherwise you will have to start selling stuff from your mom's basement, and I wouldn't want you to have to do without your binky!
It's about damned time.
Two things actually.
hotmail, yahoo and google based email in the browser type stuff.
Outlook has an option called OWA (Outlook Web Access) that lets users check their mail via a browser.
And then there is html formatting inside an email client. Ever received email with live links or pictures embedded ? That's html enabled email.
I take that as a no, you don't have the balls, or money, to bet me. Which of course I already knew, but just wanted to show everyone else I can back up my statements, while you, LOL.
LMAO, taking my money wouldn't give me cred, you can't even complete a sentence correctly LOL. Money talks and BS walks, and right now you're all BS.
Young boy, you amaze me...every time I think you have hit rock bottom with your ignorance, you pick up your shovel and start digging again.
Actually, you amuse me. You are like the little mouse in the cat's claws...you don't realize I am simply playing with you, before I deliver that fatal blow to what little credibility you have, either here or anywhere.
What's wrong Jose? Either you're a man, or you're a chicken. We'll even throw in whoever is wrong has to permanently leave this site, or whatever else you can come up with. What's your excuse now?
Got it.
Seems like a good use of an intranet.
But, I should let you do your own job..
-d
Most of these so-called "tech threads" are so littered with ignorance that I seldom bother to even read them anymore. No wonder IT jobs are being shipped off to India. It's always the same thing: Microsoft sucks and IBM can do no wrong. Which is ironic to me since my former employer outsourced their data center to IBM shortly after I left the company, so when anyone calls the second or third level support they get...India.
You seem to enjoy it, and you're evidently pretty popular, so have at it!
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