Elite Hackers: Stealing NSA Secrets Is ‘Child’s Play’

SSgt Ryan Sylvester The only 'brick wall' that can not be broken is the fully disconnected brick wall, and of course the only way to enter one of those systems is to use the euphemistic Layer 8 access, then it is a failure of the physical security system or a change (malfunction?) in the individual. We already have too many failures in the physical security systems for a variety of reasons and some with no easy resolution.

But you do bring up an excellent point about the mass of classified information that should not be classified at all.

SSG Robert Webster - While that's true about the only impenetrable brick wall being a fully disconnected system, there's a reason we operate with classified networks now. I won't go into details for obvious reasons, but knowing how the system works... I'd be shocked to hear of any pure breaches of a classified network that isn't, in some way, caused by a loose screw behind the keyboard. Insider threats have been and always will be the most serious risk to any system or network... closed or otherwise. And it becomes all the more serious the more privileges the threat has.

I'll definitely agree on the amount of classified information that shouldn't be classified. I remember common working papers practice... just classify at system level and destroy when no longer needed. The problem is that in classified networks, where classified emails go around with these kinds of working papers, that whole "destroy when finished" concept never happens. Those classified reviews help a little, but still... many people probably operate under that "better safe than sorry" mentality and mark up, just to cover their six.

Classification Authorities are supposed to be thoroughly trained in the provisions noted in EO 13526. The problem is, they don’t follow the procedures noted. Also, automatic downgrading instruction, if used, would mitigate the massive number of classified information. To the topic, there was a segment on cyber security this AM. It was stated whomever has the lead in quantum computing will have a definite advantage in the next war or conflict. North Korea is said to be in the top tier in that arena. $5T Federal budget and they lead us.

MCPO Roger Collins - Yep, quantum computing is a game changer. It will be as devastating to any country without it as Project Ultra was to Germany in WWII. Cryptography, in its current state, will be untenable as a protective measure for communications.