New federal agency security mandates

It's not surprising, given the rash of mobile device thefts containing personal and confidential information at Federal agencies, that Uncle Sam wants something done to prevent further incidents. What is a bit surprising is that lawmakers and agencies are moving so fast to make it happen. The Bush administration says agencies have 45 days to plug in new security measures that include encrypting data on all handled devices and laptops unless it's marked "non-sensitive", two-factor authentication systems for accessing databases remotely and instituting a detailed record management plan related to any data that is downloaded from "sensitive" data warehouses. 

For more on the new security mandates:
- see this article at The Washington Post

PLUS: GAO pulls confidential data off public Web site. Article