Further update on what I shared back in March: https://www.crn.com/news/networking/2024/cisco-fraudster-must-pay-100m-serve-jail-time-for-selling-1b-in-counterfeit-gear Cisco Fraudster Must Pay $100M, Serve Jail Time For Selling $1B In Counterfeit Gear *A CEO of a number of tech companies has been sentenced in federal court for running what officials are calling “one of the largest counterfeit-trafficking operations ever.” Onur Aksoy was convicted of selling counterfeit Cisco equipment, with some of the phony gear being deployed in classified information systems, combat and non-combat operations of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army, as well as hospitals and schools, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.* Snippet of note: *The fraudulent gear found its way into combat and non-combat operations of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Army, including within platforms supporting the F-15, F-18, and F-22 fighter jets, AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, P-8 maritime patrol aircraft, and B-52 Stratofortress bomber aircraft, according to the Department of Justice. * On Thu, Mar 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM David Bray, PhD wrote: > Recognizing this is a broad distro so I am going to ask that any use of > this post comply with the Chatham House rule of non-attribution to avoid > consternation for any of the organizations involved - however there is a > company by the name of TrueNorth Cyber that was asked by an important part > of the USG to test a router that externally and internally (at least in > terms of popping the lid) to be a Cisco Router. > > However twice the router had run hot. And twice the router was shipped > back to Cisco to verify everything was okay - and twice the bird was > shipped back to the USG saying yes, everything is good. > > However TrueNorth does deep hardware interrogation. And with their methods > they identified this was **not** a Cisco router, but rather a Huawei board > claiming to be a Cisco router in terms of electronic presentation with the > bus, bios, etc. And even more disturbingly the board had been in use in a > very sensitive USG environment for about 10 years by that time. > > TrueNorth has tested other warehouses of equipment that was believed by > others to be “all good” and found on average 60-65% of hardware equipment > has non-standard configurations inconsistent with the described specs. Not > all of this is as extreme as the above, some of instances where memory from > a different vendor was employed vs. what was sold or a chipset was swapped > out from the standard config - however given the identification of covert > modems at U.S. shipping facilities, how many IT and networking environments > have run deep hardware interrogation to confirm that the hardware they > think they have - really is what it claims to be? > > And no - “hologram decals” on hardware won’t help you here given they can > easily be spoofed. > > *David Bray, PhD *Principal, LeadDoAdapt Ventures, Inc. > > Loomis Innovation Council Co-Chair & Distinguished > Fellow > > Henry > S. Stimson Center , Business > Executives for National Security > > > On Thu, Mar 21, 2024 at 09:43 Dave Taht via Nnagain < > nnagain@lists.bufferbloat.net> wrote: > >> I have been trying to point out for many years now, that a lot of >> hardware can just have it's firmware replaced with something more >> trustable, secure, reliable, and feature full. I was appalled at the recent >> BOFO (?) rules that mandated buy american for secure .... glass .... and >> totally ignored the firmware problem. I have not read up on rip and replace >> progress below, and am afraid to, if someone could summarize? >> >> Ironically, I regard Huwai's compliance with the GPL, and general >> open source contribution philosophy as exemplary in an industry that >> seemingly has forgotten the benefits of openness or the copyright >> provisions of that license. >> >> The president of huwai once responded to complaints by promising to open >> up all it's source code for inspection... (cannot find the link), but the >> CISCOs of the world evaporated that possibility, and the mess downstream of >> most chinese AND american manufacturers has to be scanned to be believed. >> >> ... a lot of huwai's consumer gear can be reflashed to OpenWrt, which is >> maintained by a group of very security concious folk, mostly based in >> germany. >> >> >> >> ---------- Forwarded message --------- >> From: Broadband Breakfast >> Date: Thu, Mar 21, 2024 at 9:23 AM >> Subject: New Exclusive Report on 'Rip and Replace' >> To: Dave Taht >> >> >> Broadband Breakfast Live Online Every Wednesday at 12 Noon ET >> View this email in your browser >> >> >> >> *'RIP AND REPLACE'* The Policy and Law Behind 'Rip and Replace' >> >> * >> * >> >> Emerging reports signal a growing concern among telecommunications >> providers grappling with compliance to the Federal Communications >> Commission's mandate to excise problematic equipment from certain Chinese >> companies. >> >> Amid this regulatory melange, providers are finding themselves at a >> crossroads, with the daunting task of navigating stringent regulations, >> facing the financial brunt of equipment replacement, and contending with >> the ambiguity surrounding funding mechanisms for such extensive >> undertakings. >> >> At the heart of this unfolding scenario is the "rip and replace" program, >> a cornerstone initiative under the *Secure and Trusted Communications >> Networks Act of 2019* >> , >> designed to fortify the nation's telecommunications infrastructure against >> potential espionage and cyber threats. >> >> This *comprehensive effort * >> not >> only mandates the purging of equipment from companies like Huawei >> Technologies and ZTE Corporation, deemed security risks, but also >> underscores a pivotal shift towards securing the integrity and reliability >> of U.S. telecommunications networks. >> >> As the FCC enforces this order, the ripple effects are palpable, spanning >> legal and financial implications for compliant companies and operational >> challenges that demand innovative solutions, all while setting a precedent >> for how national security considerations are increasingly shaping the >> telecommunications landscape. >> *What is 'Rip and Replace'?* >> >> The rip and replace initiative, officially part of the initiatives under *the >> Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019* >> , >> is a Federal Communications Commission effort aimed at enhancing national >> security within the country's telecommunications infrastructure. >> >> Read more by becoming a Broadband Breakfast Club Member.... >> >> *Have you been to Broadband Breakfast lately?* >> >> Broadband Breakfast has been freshly redesigned to make it easier to find >> the content you need about America's broadband buildout. >> >> Broadband Breakfast is the community for Better Broadband, Better Lives. >> >> >> >> >> >> >> *#BROADBAND LIVE* >> Fiber and Wireless Solutions for 'Always On' Deployment Strategies on >> Tuesday, March 26, 2024 >> *TUESDAY >> at 2 p.m. ET – REGISTER HERE to join live! >> * >> >> The application of quantum physics to traditional internet connections >> holds great promise for enhancing speed, efficiency, and security in future >> networks. As quantum processors venture out of physics labs and into data >> centers, hear how they could work in tandem with advancing broadband >> infrastructure to transmit vast datasets across future internet backbones. >> Tune in for a dynamic discussion on how quantum mechanics can transform >> computing, the internet and global communications. >> >> >> The digital infrastructure is evolving at exponential rates and the >> demand for smarter systems and a more connected world is imperative to the >> progression of our communities. Deploying a broadband strategy isn’t >> straight forward and requires flexibility, creativity, and the ability to >> pivot quickly. Join the Wesco experts as they dive into the wireless and >> fiber solutions driving innovation, enabling 24/7 connectivity and IoT, and >> fortifying communities for tomorrow. >> *Panelists* >> >> - *Chris Bailey*, Director, Strategic Accounts >> - *Carla Shaffer*, Vice President, Wireless >> - *Drew Clark *(moderator), Editor and Publisher, Broadband Breakfast >> >> >> >> >> >> Most >> Democratic Senators Want Congress to Make ACP Renewal 'Must Pass' >> Legislation >> >> >> WASHINGTON, March 20, 2024 – Thirty three Democratic and Independent >> Senators on Friday co-signed a letter urging Senate and House leaders to >> use “must-pass” budget legislation to include an extension of the >> Affordable Connectivity Program. >> >> The *letter urges Congressional leaders* >> to >> support bipartisan legislation to save the ACP from expiration when funds >> are expected to be exhausted next month. The letter argued that the program >> is necessary to close the connectivity gap between Americans. >> >> Notable signatories include Sen. *John Fetterman*, D-Pennsylvania, Sen. *Raphael >> Warnock*, D-Georgia, and Sen. *Alex Padilla*, D-California. >> Todd Eachus: Government Red Tape Threatens Universal Broadband >> >> >> Pennsylvania’s mountainous terrain and rural areas with few homes have >> made it difficult and expensive for broadband expansion. >> What's In the FY 2025 Budget for Broadband and Technology >> >> >> WASHINGTON, March 20, 2024 – The White House unveiled its *proposed >> fiscal year 2025 budget* >> last >> week, earmarking $6 billion for enhancing internet affordability for >> consumers and $112 million for expanding rural broadband infrastructure. >> >> The proposed budget underscores that certain broadband and technology >> initiatives are integral to President *Joe Biden*'s economic vision of >> reducing costs, stimulating job growth, boosting manufacturing, and >> ensuring the protection of American consumers. >> >> >> >> Introducing the California Broadband Summit at the CalMatters Ideas >> Festival >> >> >> >> The event in Sacramento, California, on Wednesday, June 5 is part of the CalMatters >> Ideas Festival >> on >> June 5-6, 2024. >> Reserve Your Spot Now! >> >> *Panel >> 1: The California Broadband Moment * >> >> As billions flood into broadband development nationwide, California is >> riding high on this wave, netting $1.86B from the government’s flagship >> Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment Program. For the nation’s leading >> tech hub, how has this pivotal moment unfolded? How does this dovetail with >> the state’s ongoing initiatives aimed to drive innovation in the technology >> and telecom sectors? >> *Panel 2: California’s Pathbreaking Middle Mile Program* >> >> In 2021, California unanimously passed SB 156, earmarking a $6 billion >> broadband investment to bridge the statewide digital divide. More than half >> of the funds are funneled towards building open-access, state-owned middle >> mile networks with high capacity fiber. As this expansive investment fans >> out across the state, how is California positioned to capitalize on it? >> What opportunities and potential pitfalls might the state encounter along >> the way? >> *Panel 3: California’s Cost to Build* >> >> With one of the country's most extensive highway networks, California >> must also wrangle with the prickly issue of broadband right-of-way, which >> often drive up the cost of deployment. This legal clearance for deploying >> and maintaining broadband infrastructure along public routes often muddies >> the waters around broadband expansion plans. Where does the state stand on >> this issue? Are there still any bottlenecks that need ironing out for >> seamless broadband flow across the state? >> *Panel 4: Net Neutrality and Privacy* >> >> While federal net neutrality rules hang in limbo, California has long >> upheld its own law regarding the equal treatment of data, as well as its >> state-leading law on internet privacy With its sights on universal >> broadband access statewide, how does net neutrality factor into >> California’s game plan? What role has California’s leadership role on net >> neutrality and privacy had on broadband for California? >> Sponsors >> >> >> >> *The California Emerging Technology Fund* >> (CETF) >> has been on a mission over the last decade to forge partnerships and foster >> public policy to close the Digital Divide. This work has been >> strategically-focused, results-oriented, and people-centered. CETF is a >> leading proponent of the Digital Equity Bill of Rights >> House Commerce Committee Advances Four Communications Bills >> >> >> WASHINGTON, March 20, 2024 – The House Energy and Commerce Committee >> advanced four pieces of communications legislation on Wednesday. >> >> Three of the bills are network security measures targeting companies from >> China and other countries deemed national security threats, and one would >> direct the Federal Communications Commission to stand up a task force to >> study 6G technology. The bills were passed unanimously with bipartisan >> support. >> >> “Taken together, these bills will help protect American networks from >> security threats, while also allowing our country to remain a global leader >> in communications technology,” said Ranking Member *Frank Pallon*e, >> D-New Jersey. >> With Affordable Connectivity Funds Running Out, ISPs May Choose Partial >> Reimbursement >> >> >> WASHINGTON, March 20, 2024 – As the looming deadline of the Affordable >> Connectivity Program draws nearer, providers now face a decision of whether >> to continue offering ACP-supported services through May by taking partial >> reimbursement funding, or dropping consumers. >> >> In a public notice released Monday >> , >> the Federal Communications Commission alerted internet service providers >> that without additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity >> Program won't reimburse them fully for the service and device benefits >> applied to ACP-recipient internet bills beginning in May. >> Housing Group Blasts Proposal to Ban Broadband 'Bulk Billing' >> >> >> An advocacy group on behalf of landlords and lenders argued the FCC >> should not ban bulking billing practices. >> >> >> >> >> *#BROADBAND LIVE* >> Broadband Breakfast on March 27, 2024 – Generative AI and Congressional >> Action >> >> *WEDNESDAY, >> 12 NOON ET – REGISTER HERE to join live! >> * >> >> As generative AI capabilities quickly get woven into the fabric of daily >> life and business practices, the debate around regulating this disruptive >> technology has been catapulted into the public eye. Despite a flurry of >> bill proposals hitting the floor, including President Biden's Executive >> Order laying out an AI bill of rights, national-level guardrails have >> ground to a halt without solid congressional buy-in. With lawmakers >> returning to the Hill in 2024 amidst an election cycle in full swing, how >> does AI regulation factor into the national storyline? What legislative >> measures might be in the pipeline for Congress? >> Broadband Providers Oppose Another Petition to Change FCC Pole Rules >> >> >> A coalition of utility companies asked the FCC to discard part of its new >> pole attachment rules. >> House Passes Bill to Fund Broadband in Economically Distressed Areas >> >> >> The bill is aimed at making Economic Development Administration grants >> more accessible for broadband projects. >> At Free State Event, Most Industry and Academics Dump on FCC Regulation >> >> >> The officials criticized the agency’s proposal to create more stringent >> regulations on broadband access. >> >> >> >> *#BROADBAND LIVE* >> Broadband Breakfast on April 3, 2024 – Generative AI and Congressional >> Action >> >> *WEDNESDAY, >> 12 NOON ET – REGISTER HERE to join live! >> * >> >> Reliable high-speed internet is crucial for unlocking the full potential >> of precision agriculture, which utilizes advanced technologies such as GPS, >> sensors, and data analytics to optimize farming practices. With significant >> broadband funding and opportunities across the nation, efforts to enhance >> broadband connectivity on agricultural land, spearheaded by the Federal >> Communications Commission's Precision Agriculture task force, are gaining >> momentum. How is the adoption of precision agriculture going? What promise >> does it hold for the future of farming and technology? How is it factored >> into ongoing broadband funding and deployment in rural areas? >> >> >> >> >> >> *About Broadband Breakfast: Broadband Breakfast is the leading media >> company advocating for higher-capacity internet everywhere through topical, >> timely and intelligent coverage. The company’s annual Digital >> Infrastructure Investment conference champions a robust 21st century >> information economy.* >> >> *#BROADBAND LIVE* >> Sign up to Receive Recording and Slides from Broadband Analytics Seminar >> >> >> >> [image: http://www.twitter.com/broadbandcensus] >> >> [image: http://www.facebook.com/broadbandbreakfast] >> >> [image: YouTube] >> >> [image: LinkedIn] >> >> *Copyright © 2024 Broadband Breakfast, All rights reserved.* >> You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. >> >> *Our mailing address is:* >> Broadband Breakfast >> 1750 K St NW Ste 1200 >> >> Washington >> , >> DC 20006-2303 >> >> Add us to your address book >> >> >> >> Want to change how you receive these emails? >> You can update your preferences >> >> or unsubscribe from this list >> >> . >> >> >> >> -- >> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0Tmvv5jJKs Epik Mellon Podcast >> Dave Täht CSO, LibreQos >> _______________________________________________ >> Nnagain mailing list >> Nnagain@lists.bufferbloat.net >> https://lists.bufferbloat.net/listinfo/nnagain >> >