Popular Social Media Platform is More Secure than State Department Emails

Popular Social Media Platform is More Secure than State Department Emails

Four U.S. senators are asking for enhanced security for email.

Instagram, a popular photo sharing app, officially has more tighter cybersecurity than nearly 90 percent of State Department officials. Like many apps, Instagram now allows users to use two-factor authentication to reduce the risk of being hacked.

Two-factor authentication is recommended by most security officials as a basic measure to keep social media accounts private, but the U.S. State Department has yet to introduce this cybersecurity measure to its email platform.

In a letter released last week, four U.S. senators noted that exports were able to easily exploit vulnerabilities in State Department email accounts and asked the State Department to increase cybersecurity practices.

"We are sure you will agree on the need to protect American diplomacy from cyberattacks, which is why we have such a hard time understanding why the Department of State has not following the lead of many other agencies and complied with federal law requiring agency use of multi-factor authentication," the letter said.

The GSA found that only 11 percent of devices on those accounts used by the State Department have "enhanced access controls" or multi-factor authentication.

The Department is required to answer by Oct. 12 and explain what actions it will take in response to its designation by the Department of State's Inspector General as "high risk" for its lack of cyber preparedness. The State Department will also have to share the number of cyberattacks that have occurred against its systems in the past three years.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.