I began my IT career while working for the U.S. Coast Guard and our motto was "Semper Paratus" or "Always Ready". I just finished reading an post "Coastie Cutters Got Leaky Networks" on the Wired Danger Room blog and it sounds as if they may have to change to "Semper Effluo" or "Always Leaky", at least when it comes to the security of the networks onboard their newest ship; the 418 foot National Security Cutter (NSC).
According to the post, it doesn't appear as if their networks will qualify against the National Security Agency's TEMPEST standard and therefore won't be able to process classified data, which will severley limit the type of missions fulfilled by this cutter.
I was always curious to know how construction can come so far along on a ship and they encounter something like this that may be very difficult to retrofit or resolve afterwards. They really don't seem to be living up to their original motto.
Guys, I'm still very proud of my past uniformed and civilian service for the Coast Guard; so if you read this, stop doing the taxpayers and yourselves a disservice. Get it right the first time.
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