US Cybersecurity Efforts Must Move Forward
October 6, 2010 (WASHINGTON) – Today, Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, announced the release of a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report on Federal efforts to secure cyber space. The report, entitled "Cyberspace Policy: Executive Branch Is Making Progress Implementing 2009 Policy Review Recommendations, but Sustained Leadership Is Needed", reviewed the plans set forth in the Obama Administration's "May 2009 Cyberspace Policy Review" of cybersecurity efforts under the Bush Administration. The Administration’s review made 24 recommendations necessary to assure the sufficiency of Federal efforts to safeguard the United States from cyber attacks. In examining the implementation status of those recommendations, GAO found that sustained leadership is a critical requirement in efforts to secure our cyber networks.
Chairman Thompson released the following statement with the release of the report:
“This report shows that the Administration keenly understands the need to secure cyber space. Yet GAO’s findings are troubling and urge the National Cybersecurity Coordinator to immediately set forth implementation plans which contain metrics and timetables. We look forward to the release of the Administration finalized National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspce this month. As demonstrated in our June 2010 hearing, this Committee remains concerned about the Department of Homeland Security’s ability to carry out its leadership role in securing Federal cyber networks and will actively seek ways to enhance DHS authorities in the cybersecurity realm. Further, I look forward to working with the Administration to ensure that measures are enacted to allow federal, state and local governments as well as the private sector to quickly and effectively repel attacks from those who seek to use the internet to do us harm while safeguarding the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens.”
The GAO found that of 24 recommendations contained in the Administration’s May 2009 review, two have been fully implemented. The GAO also found that other recommendations are vague and fail to set forth metrics to assess progress.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Dena Graziano or Adam Comis at (202) 225-9978
