Morning Security Brief: Cyberattacks, DHS Information Release Process, Alzheimer's & Patient Security, & Cybersecurity Training

♦ Cyberattacks have allegedly compromised numerous e-mail accounts of Australia's political elite. "The cyber attacks are believed to have targeted the Australian Parliament House email network, the less secure of two networks used by MPs," reports the BBC. "Among the computers allegedly breached were those belonging to Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd and Defence Minister Stephen Smith. Reports suggest the hackers may have been trying to access information on Australia's lucrative mining industry."

♦ Internal e-mails reveal problems with how the Department of Homeland Security releases sensitive information. "The review process on releasing potentially sensitive government files from the Homeland Security Department to the public was onerous and overly political, a key official in the process had complained in a series of e-mails in late 2009," reports the Associated Press. "Chief Privacy Officer Mary Ellen Callahan, who was appointed by Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, said she wanted to change the process, according to uncensored e-mails newly obtained by the Associated Press. In the e-mails, she warned that the Homeland Security Department might be sued over delays the political reviews were causing, and she hinted that a reporter might find out about the process."

♦ The assault of one assisted living resident by another suffering from Alzheimer's is raising questions in Canada about how to care for patients suffering from the disease. "The 70-year-old man is in police custody and has been charged with aggravated assault. However, he won't be there much longer," according to CBC News. "A judge ruled Monday that McLeod should be assessed by the Health Sciences Centre’s psychiatric department. He will spend 28 days under close observation to properly determine his mental state and what facility would be best to care for him."

♦ A Maryland jobs program is looking to give it's qualified unemployed the skills they need to survive in today's economy: cybersecurity. "U.S. Rep. C.A. 'Dutch' Ruppersberger, D-Baltimore County, and state Labor Secretary Alexander Sanchez toured the facilities of the program, which is expected to use $4.9 million in federal funds to give county residents like Butler an edge in a competitive job market," reports The Capital. "Last summer, the Anne Arundel Workforce Development Corp. and Anne Arundel Community College received a three-year federal grant for the program, based at the One-Stop Career Center. The program's goal is to provide 1,000 job seekers with the training they need to work in cybersecurity - safeguarding computer systems from hackers and other threats. For example, residents can earn industry certifications in areas including microcomputer operations, networking and digital forensics."