Senators Propose ‘Gold Standard’ for Cybersecurity

In an op-ed for The Washington Post, Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins and Tom Carper propose a “gold standard” in cybersecurity to help protect networks and computers from hackers and potentially, a “digital Pearl Harbor.”

The proposal would grant the Department of Homeland Security statutory authority to work with the private sector to identify…

Senator: White House Cybersecurity Recommendations Could Expose Info to Hackers, Terrorists

A ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has voiced concern over a cybersecurity recommendation submitted by the White House, saying she fears the plan would give hackers and terrorists vital information on which U.S. infrastructure entities are easy to breach, Politico reports.

The Obama administration’s proposal…

Regulatory Watchdog: Will FISMA Standards be Extended to Industry to Avoid Financial Cyber Attack?

As the National Institute of Standards and Technology makes headway in preparing standards required by FISMA, a regulatory watchdog in the District is expressing concerns both about the increasing  burden on industry and  whether FISMA standards will include the private sector in thwarting a financial cyber attack.

The Center for Regulatory Effectiveness, founded and managed by…

Cyber Bill Clears Committee

The Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee has unanimously approved a comprehensive cybersecurity bill yesterday.

The Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010, S.3480, submitted by Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins and Tom Carper, would create a new cyber center within the Department of Homeland Security and create a White House Office of Cyberspace Policy…

McAfee Officials: Government Must Be Careful Not to Stifle Innovation

Last Friday, McAfee officials expressed their praise for the recently proposed cyber bill but voiced reservations over the bill’s possible impact to private sector innovation.

The bill, which was introduced by Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins and Tom Carper, looks to provide DHS with the power to dictate cybersecurity requirements to private sector companies, which is troubling, McAfee…

INSA Chairwoman: Partnership is the Way Forward

In order to move froward with securing the nation’s networks, the government and private sectors must work together, Frances Townsend, Chairwoman of the Intelligence and National Security Alliance (INSA) board, told members of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee during a hearing June 15.

During a hearing to discuss the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset…

DHS Cyber Official: There is No Silver Bullet to Cybersecurity

The U.S. cybersecurity effort does not need the creation of a new agency or department, a senior DHS official told members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee during a hearing Tuesday, June 15.

In reference to a cyber bill proposed by Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins and Tom Carper, Phil Reitinger, deputy under secretary of…

Gourley: Intelligence Community Should Provide Unclassified Cyber Threat Assessments Annually

Last week, Sens. Joe Lieberman, Susan Collins and Tom Carper unveiled the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010, S.3480. The bill will create a permanent Office of Cyber Policy in the White House and form a give the Department of Homeland Security the power to enforce cyber…

Lieberman and Collins Unveil Cyber Bill

Sen. Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Me) unveiled a new cybersecurity bill yesterday along with Federal Financial Management Subcommittee Chairman Tom Carper (D-De). The legislation looks to strengthen, modernize and coordinate federal civilian networks and select private sector networks that are part of the critical infrastructure.

The Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act of 2010, S.3480, would…

‘We don’t need a eunuch’ as Cyber Czar says Rep. David Wu

During a recent interview with GovInfoSecurity.com, Rep. David Wu said “If we’re going to have someone, we don’t need a cybersecurity eunuch; we need someone who has a little bit more oomph to get the job done.” Wu wants the concept to go in one of two directions: either drop the concept all together or give the position the requisite power and authority needed to be effective.

Wu’s…