After a decade of war, more than 1 million active-duty military personnel are expected to join the ranks of America’s 22 million Veterans over the next five years. To ensure they, and every other generation that has safeguarded the Nation, receive the high-quality care and benefits they have earned, VA relies on a sophisticated network of information technology systems.
While our IT infrastructure is highly efficient and modern, it is also the target of, and vulnerable to, increasing cyber threats and potential attack.
Others seek to exploit sensitive information at the expense of our mission. Veterans have suffered the consequences of careless information security practices, including unintended exposure and loss of Personally Identifiable Information (PII). We can, and must, do better for the sake of those we serve.
To ensure we protect sensitive Veterans’ information, VA’s Office of Information Technology has launched the Continuous Readiness in Information Security Program—CRISP. The program will transform how we access, protect, and transfer information within and outside the Department.
Through CRISP, we have created a three-pronged approach to improve the way we look at information security. First, the program will ensure that those who are on VA systems have the appropriate level of access. Second, the program will establish clear, documented contingency plans for data breaches, which will be regularly tested and improved. Last, the program will launch accessible, tailored, online information security training for all VA employees, volunteers, contractors, and affiliates.
The trust Veterans have in us as a department and as individuals depends on our ability to constantly and consistently protect their information from exposure and ever-increasing cyber risks. Securing information is the responsibility of everyone. I encourage all VA employees, contractors, and affiliates to help us implement CRISP actions by 1 April. Together, we can and will safeguard the information that is vital to serving our Veterans.
Thank you.
Eric K. Shinseki
Note: To all our VSO’s / MSO’s, Volunteers who have access or contact to our computer system and any kind of Veteran information, you will be required to go through this training program so all can insure we have the proper tools to safeguard any and all personal information. Some have already voiced concern about this requirement but please remember that we all are responsible for safeguarding any personal information whether in our work place or at home and what this program will do is enhance your awareness for best practice applications. We ask for your support and cooperation with this very important and needed program.
Guide to perfect presents.(Home Front)
Rocky Mountain News (Denver, CO) November 28, 1999 | Tobias, Lori Byline: Lori Tobias News Staff Writer Sportslick $8. All-purpose skin lubricant that prevents chafing and blisters and can even be used to soften lips. Available by calling (800) 646-8448, at the Boulder Running Company or www.sportslick.com.
The Original Rollerblade Skate School Local instructor Tim Dixon offers $20 gift certificates which may be used May through September. Perfect for the beginner or almost-expert, Dixon has a bag of tricks that will help any skater refine their technique. Skates provided if needed. Call Dixon at (303) 300-3490. web site boulder running company
Avant First high-tech premium golf ball for women boasts softer compression; drives go farther and faster with less effort. $20 per six pack. To order, call (800) 445-1898.
Lei Weights $39.95. Sandbag weights add resistance to your training. To order, call (800) 691-4427 or check out the Web site, Leiweights.com.
REI’s Light Candle $19, for those dark nights around the campsite. Weighs less than a pound and folds up when not lit.
Yoga for Wellness $24.95. Get healthy the natural way. Available at bookstores.
Barefoot Yoga’s Mat Bag $30. Stash your keys, wallet and other essentials while you practice your poses, then roll up and store your mat when it’s time to go. Call (415) 750-YOGA.
Avalung Basic model, $198; Pro $285. Invented by University of Colorado’s Dr. Thomas Crowley, the vest is designed to increase the chances of surviving an avalanche by permitting the wearer to extract air from the snow and exhale carbon dioxide-loaded air out the back of the vest. Available at REI, Mountain Miser and through Black Diamond Equipment at www.bdel.com.
Atlas Snow-Trackers Cleats strap onto shoes to make a walk home on the icy nights or a run on those frosty mornings a little less treacherous. $59. Also available, Mountain Trackers for hiking, $69. Available at REI, EMS and specialty sport shops. Or, call (800) 645-SHOE or check out the Web site at Atlassnowshoe.com.
Minolta Vectis Weathermatic Zoom $473. Designed to withstand the bumps and thumps of adventure travel. Available where cameras are sold.
Tag Heuer’s Alter Ego, $1,295. Watch made specifically for women. Water resistant to 100 meters. Available at department stores.
Sony FDL-250T22 Watchman TV $169. Hangs on neck Straptenna and has sun shade, built-in speaker, audio / video input and headphone jacks. Wear it or drape it over the treadmill. (800) 222-SONY.
Flying Carpets yoga mat $60. Sweat absorbent on top, sticky on the bottom. To order, call (917) 941-1410.
Atlas Snowshoes. The new lightweight snowshoes turn a trudge through the snow into a walk in the park. Prices start at $109 and go up to $279. For information, call (415) 703-0414 or check out their Web site at www.atlassnowshoe.com. For a free Official Snowshoe Handbook, call (888) 48ATLAS. this web site boulder running company
CAPTION(S):
Photo (5) Bag it all with this yoga mat holder designed to hold keys, mat and other necessities.
CAPTION: Atlas Snow-Trackers turn a slippery slide into a walk in the park.
CAPTION: Give the gift of glide with a certificate for lessons from Rollerblade expert Tim Dixon.
CAPTION: For women only, Avant’s golf ball is designed for ladies who want to rule the links.
CAPTION: The three-wheel recumbent Windcheetah offers speed, style and, boy is it sexy. Highlights to this model, exclusive to Neiman Marcus, inlcude lightweight titanium components and carbon fibre aerodynamic fairings and tubing. Individually numbered with Neiman Marcus serial number, the Windcheetah can be yours for $7,500. Info: 877 9NM-GIFT.
Tobias, Lori
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