Coast Guard raises security concerns about Facebook

Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Thad Allen understands that Web 2.0 technologies can be useful, but he is concerned about security and is not willing to compromise the official government network.

"The question I most often get at all hands meetings is 'when can we access Facebook or other sites from their desktops?'" Allen tells federalnewsradio.com. "My answer is, 'can't, won't and never will.' But that doesn't mean we can't engage. We pretty much have to have a presence in other domains where we can interact."

The answer, as Allen sees it, is give employees secure access to these tools through the dot-com domain that will operate outside the network but have tight security policies.

The Coast Guard is not alone in its concern. The spread of malicious intrusions through Facebook and Twitter are problems, and the threat to the government networks is real. The Defense Department has been closely examining the issue, even as use of the social media has spread, and hopes to come up with a policy by Sept. 30.

The Chief Information Officer's Council also is working on how best to finding common ground on Web 2.0 and cybersecurity.
A big part of the effort may center on education and training of employees, along with the proper firewalls.

For more on the Coast Guard and Facebook:
- check out this federalnewsradio.com article