Government Security News has announced that it is accepting entries for its 2012 Homeland Security Awards Program. The 2012 program includes 45 awards in three broad categories including: Best Vendors of IT Security Products and Solutions; Best Vendors of Physical Security Products and Solutions; and Most Notable Initiatives by Government Agencies.

Details of "Exercise Olympic Guardian", a major security exercise designed provide security for the upcoming 2012 Olympics, have been revealed to the public. Taking place between May 2-10, it involves Royal Navy ships, Royal Air Force helicopters and jets, as well as the possible deployment of surface-to-air missiles at various sites around the city. Officials say there will be 13,500 military personnel involved in protecting the Olympic games.

With the outbreak of the Flashback trojan horse virus infecting over 600,000 Macs there is concern within cyber-circles that Macs are becoming more and more a viable target. Here are five points to consider when assessing the Apple security situation.

Iranian officials report a malware attack Sunday (04/22) on the computer systems of Iran's oil ministry and the national oil company. One report says user data from one site was stolen and that both web sites were knocked offline until Monday (04/23). The oil ministry site is said to be back online. Oil production is reported to be unaffected by the attack.

The FBI is seeking information from individuals, corporate entities and Internet Services Providers who believe that they have been victimized by malicious software ("malware") related to the defendants Vladimir Tsastsin, Et Al. This malware modifies a computer’s Domain Name Service (DNS) settings, and thereby directs the computers to receive potentially improper results from rogue DNS servers hosted by the defendants. The FBI says if you believe you have been victimized in this case, they want you to type your DNS information into the search box found on this form.

Information on how to determine your DNS settings, along with other technical details about DNSChanger, can be found here (PDF).

This past Sunday (4/22) marked the beginning of the country’s first ever National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. During the week, FEMA is partnering with NOAA “to provide information to the public about the hazards of severe weather and steps people can take to ensure they’re prepared.”

FEMA - "Every state in the U.S. has experienced tornadoes and severe weather and although some more than others- everyone is at risk and should take steps to prepare for when severe weather strike in your area. Knowing the most common weather hazards in your area, your vulnerability and what actions you should take can save your life and others."

Governments around the world are under attack by hacktivist group Anonymous. In the past few weeks Anonymous has claimed attacks on China, Tunisia, Uganda and the United Kingdom, while in the past few months they have also attacked a number of U.S. federal agencies, NATO and the Israeli government. In the case of the attacks on China, Anonymous says they have been done in the pursuit of Internet freedom.

With most Mac users thinking they are immune to various attacks, malware and viruses, you may want to re-think your vulnerability. A Russian antivirus company called Dr. Web is reporting some 600,000 Macs are already infected with a trojan horse virus called "Flashback." Here is an article that helps you find out if you are infected and what to do about it.