"Notwithstanding the significant investment, we see no evidence that the drones contribute to a more secure border, and there is no reason to invest additional taxpayer funds at this time," said Inspector General John Roth in the statement. "Securing our borders is a crucial mission for CBP and DHS. CBP’s drone program has so far fallen far short of being an asset to that effort."Really what can you say? I am all for drones and electronic fences as tools but without the bodies out there patrolling and making arrests they're useless. If it was me I would re-institute the desert phase of Ranger school and use the border as a training ground on interdiction patrols. They wouldn't have to make the arrests they could call activity in but you get to kill multiple birds with one stone that way.
Sploid - First photo of the fully operative Chinese rivals to the US Navy F-18 -
The Shenyang J-15 Flying Shark—the first Chinese carrier-based fighter that is designed to match and even surpass the American F/A-18E/F Super Hornet—is no longer a test prototype. This photo shows fully operative serial units on the deck of the Liaoning, People's Liberation Army Navy's aircraft carrier.Enter the Dragon! Of course in every good myth the dragon gets slain so I am not worried yet.
Networkworld - FBI wants you to become a cyber agent -
Key requirements to be a special agent include passing a rigorous background check and fitness test. Agents must be at least 23 and no older than 37. Prospective cyber special agents are expected to meet the same threshold as special agents, but also have a wealth of experience in computers and technology. Preferred backgrounds include computer programming and security, database administration, malware analysis, digital forensics, and even ethical hacking. An extensive list of sought-after backgrounds and certifications can be seen on the job posting, the FBI noted.If it was me I would re-evaluate the whole must meet all the requirements as a normal agent thing. I would be far more interested in technical skills and trustworthiness. Also I would place some ads in the previews of Blackhat (mainly said to give me an excuse to post a trailer to Blackhat)
Krebs on Security - Payday Loan Network Sold Info to Scammers -
According to the FTC’s complaint, data broker LeapLab bought payday loan applications of financially strapped consumers, and then sold that information to marketers whom it knew had no legitimate need for it. “At least one of those marketers, Ideal Financial Solutions – a defendant in another FTC case – allegedly used the information to withdraw millions of dollars from consumers’ accounts without their authorization,” the FTC said.This is why I sometimes think there should only be two criminal penalties, public flogging and death. If the flogging doesn't deter you at least you won't be able to commit the same crimes a 3rd time.
Pando Daily - Sharyl Attkisson has sued the government for “hackings” many suspect never happened -
Sharyl Attkisson, a former CBS News reporter who alleges that the government hacked into her computers while she was reporting on Benghazi and the Affordable Care Act, is suing the government for $35 million in damages resulting from the suspected hacking.
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It would be scandalous for the government to hack into the computers (and apparently the television sets) of a reporter investigating controversial subjects. There’s only one problem: many people have a hard time believing Attkisson was ever actually hacked.
I'm one of those who think this hacking story is a giant crock of shit so I am really looking forward to the discovery phase in this case.
NY Times - House Republicans Change Rules on Calculating Economic Impact of Bills -
The change on “dynamic scoring” — ardently sought since the 1990s by Republicans — could ease passage of major tax cuts by showing that their impact on economic growth would substantially reduce their cost to the Treasury. The move is widely seen as a way for Republican leade
rs to set ground rules for an ambitious overhaul of the entire United States tax code.
Continue reading the main story“We’re saying, ‘If you think a piece of legislation is going to have a big effect on the economy, then include that effect in the official cost estimate,’ ” said Representative Tom Price, Republican of Georgia, the new chairman of the House Budget Committee. “So if you think a bill is going to help or hurt the economy, then tell us how much.”
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