Netsec to Toughen U.S. Attorneys' Computer Security

Network Security Technologies Corp. has won a four-year, $4.2 million contract from the Justice Department to provide security services to the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys, a bureau within the department.


The contract was awarded in October, and the company is scheduled to release the news Nov. 13.


Under the contract, Netsec of Herndon, Va., will provide 24-hour, seven-day a week management and monitoring of network devices, penetration testing, system and application vulnerability assessments, certification and accreditation and computer emergency response.


"This is a continuation of a relationship we've had with the Department of Justice for the past three years, so this is a long-term commitment on their part," said Bob Wrede, senior vice president for government professional services.


Wrede declined to say how many employees would be working on the Justice Department contract, but said those that do must have security clearances.


Netsec provides similar services to other federal agencies, including the National Science Foundation, which just received a B grade on its computer security report card issued by the House Government Reform subcommittee on government efficiency, Wrede said. The NSF received the highest grade among the 24 largest agencies and departments.


"Protecting sensitive information is critical for our federal government during this time of increased threats to our national security," Wrede said. "Netsec is proud to be selected as a key information security provider to a federal agency that values the critical nature of computer security and incident response planning in daily operations."