Government Recruits Geeks to Blunt Cybersecurity Threats

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We have this thing now called "The Internet", perhaps you have heard of it. You can live in one state like Ohio, and apply for a job in another place like DC without actually living there. You can also look at out of state job posting, though in DC they all require the impossible to get security clearence. Amazing isn't it. We also have these things called "U Hauls", where you can move from an area where there are no job opportunities, like DC, and move to places where there are opportunities like Ohio. Still in DC, or Ohio, they both have military bases that share the same mantra, "No security clearance, no job interview, no exceptions". Hope that is not too much technology for you to take in at one sitting. Are you Amish?

ex IT of OH 10:23AM August 11, 2009

The best hackers tend to be more anarchistic. Appealing to patriotism will net lower-quality hackers by default.
Just pay them well (very, very well), offer challenges with legal immunity, and you'll bring a few of the top guys in line. Of course, then you'd have to introduce them to some hard pipe-hitting CIA goons to inform them of the consequences of betrayal.

Rich of CO 12:09PM August 10, 2009

anybody remember Richard Clarke? he had the plan but no clout...

Does it Matter? of VA 12:19AM August 08, 2009

While Muser of NM might be glad that this is "something on Obama's radar screen," it looks like that screen just went dark. The acting director of Cybersecurity, Melissa Hathaway, announced on August 3 that she's leaving the position. WaPo says that thirty people have been interviewed for the position, but none met Obama's criteria. Most geeks being white guys, maybe the interviewees aren't the right gender or race? Further, cybersecurity apparently won't be on Congress's agenda either, until after the health care and global warming bills are passed. Additionally, Obama wants this to be another "czar" position, one with no operational authority and without Congressional oversight.
Swell . . .

Russ of MN 5:44PM August 07, 2009

Am I reading this wrong? ET couldn't pass a security clearance? Or is it that he's not really from Ohio? I bet he could make a mint in his own city...

Jill of CA 5:44PM August 07, 2009

I'm not sure the government will allow the kinds of people it really needs to join its ranks. These are people who may love the U.S. but often get marginalized by "big government" and bureaucracies. How are they going to slam 5000 people through security clearance hurdles as well?
I'm skeptical the government will be able to accomplish this one.

ED of VA 4:29PM August 06, 2009

Recruit the cybergeeks in India, that's where Bush sent all the computer jobs. As a patriotic American IT guy, I found the government and defense mantra to be "No security clearance, no job interview, no exceptions". If you cant walk in the door with a clearence, no one will hire you because you can't "hit the ground running". Cyberterrorism, another war America is destine to lose thanks to Bush.

et of OH 4:03PM August 06, 2009

Be glad this is something on Obama's radar screen. Don't you know he has already been told of possible threats that are enough to make his (or any president's) hair gray?

Muser of NM 3:57PM August 06, 2009