Bits and Bytes

Neustar looks to lose its contract. "Federal Communications Commission staff has recommended that a $450 million contract Sterling-based company Neustar has held exclusively for 18 years be awarded to rival Ericsson."  Readers will recall that the Neustar contract has cybersecurity implicaitons. Canada to address encryption password protection.  "A Quebec man charged with obstructing border officials by refusing to give up his smartphone password says he will fight the charge. The case has raised a new legal question in Canada, a law professor says. Alain Philippon, 38, of Ste-Anne-des-Plaines, Que., refused to divulge his cellphone password to Canada Border Services Agency during a customs search Monday night at Halifax Stanfield International Airport."  The debate will recapitulate some of the issues we are facing here in the US. CIA focus on cyber-ops. "The Central Intelligence Agency is launching one of the biggest reorganizations in its history, aimed in part at sharpening its focus on cyber operations and incorporating digital innovations into intelligence gathering, CIA director John Brennan said. In a presentation to reporters this week, Brennan said he also is creating new units within the CIA, called "mission centers," intended to concentrate the agency's focus on specific challenges or geographic areas, such as weapons proliferation or Africa." Happy Friday. Stay warm.