Cybersecurity: U.S. Government Cybersecurity Lags Behind That of a Fast Food Joint, Say Analysts - by Graham Lanktree

The American federal government and countless state and local governments throughout the U.S. are more vulnerable to cyberattacks than your local McDonald’s.

A new study ranking the cybersecurity of 18 industries “paints a grim picture” with the U.S. government 16th when it comes to protecting its computer systems and data from hackers.

At the top are retailers and the fast food industry.

Read more: U.S. Government Cybersecurity Lags Behind That of a Fast Food Joint, Say Analysts

Sprint, SoftBank reach US security deal to curb Chinese infiltration of national and corporate infrastructures

Ahead of SoftBank's takeover of Sprint, the companies have agreed to allow U.S. authorities the power to regulate Sprint's national security protocols.

For $20.1 billion, Sprint agreed to give Japanese carrier SoftBank a 70 percent stake in the U.S. carrier. According to Reuters sources, in order to have the deal pushed through, SoftBank has agreed to give U.S. authorities power on Sprint's board to oversee national security concerns.

If the plan to merge the two companies goes ahead, the U.S. government will be able to veto new equipment purchases made by Sprint. The demand has been made in light of the recent scrutiny given to foreign networking equipment -- especially when manufactured in China -- which has the potential to threaten national and company infrastructure.

Chinese telecoms manufacturers Huawei and ZTE have come under particular scrutiny. Not only have the companies been accused of anti-competitive behavior and flooding European markets by the European Commission, but last year, the House of Representatives' Intelligence Committee warned U.S. businesses to avoid using their products due to cybersecurity worries.

SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son has agreed to strip out equipment made by ZTE from Sprint networks if required. Removing and replacing these components could cost the firm up to $1 billion.

In addition, the U.S. government will be permitted to establish a four-member supervision committee "to make sure the companies abide by their national security promises." A Sprint board member will also be present on this panel.

Read more: Sprint, SoftBank reach US security deal | ZDNet

Cybersecurity: EU Parliament votes to strengthen EU cybersecurity - by Clare Murphy

"The leak was worse than we first thought"

EU MEPs voted to ensure continued cybersecurity across the EU on 16 April by granting the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) an extended seven-year mandate to strengthen and modernize their system.

The plenary vote (646 for, 45 against) is the result of extensive political debate between Council members and Parliament. With further support being handed to ENISA, the newest regulation that was adopted on February 8 can go into effect. The goal of this regulation is to help the EU, it’s member states and private stakeholders develop their capabilities and preparedness to prevent, detect and respond to cyber-security challenges. Furthermore, ENISA will play a greater role in the EU Cybersecurity strategy that was adopted in January.

"Today's vote offers a new start for a new ENISA: with expanded tasks, a more agile and efficient organization and governance,” said Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes. “This will help secure European networks and information systems, in line with our cybersecurity strategy."

Read more: Parliament votes to strengthen EU cybersecurity | New Europe