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Klobuchar: Greater Coordination Needed to Defend Against Cyber Threats

At hearing, Klobuchar questions officials on threats from cyber criminals

February 23, 2010

Washington, D.C. – At a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar called for greater coordination between the public and private sector in responding to the increasing number of cyber threats facing the U.S. government and U.S. citizens.  Klobuchar pressed witnesses, including former Director of National Intelligence Admiral Mike McConnell, to clarify the role of the federal government during a cyber attack and highlighted ways in which the private sector can contribute to increased security.  The hearing examined the current efforts to protect the nation’s infrastructure from cyber threats.

“Cybersecurity is of critical concern to all Americans, from our most advanced national defense and infrastructure systems down to individual household computers,” said Klobuchar.  “As we continue to increasingly rely on computers to run our government, our businesses, and our personal lives, we must devote greater attention to improving our capabilities to detect and ward off cyber attacks.”

At the hearing, Klobuchar underscored the ambiguity between the public and private sector surrounding responsibility for cybersecurity. The private sector owns approximately 85 percent of the nation’s critical infrastructure including telecommunication networks, electric grids, water and sewer facilities and financial transactions markets and clearinghouses.  Despite the heavy role of the private industry in maintaining the infrastructure, a recent cyber emergency simulation exposed uncertainty between private sector-controlled infrastructure and the government when responding to the threat.

Klobuchar also questioned officials on their agencies’ actions to aid law enforcement agencies in prosecuting cyber criminals.  “As a former prosecutor, I am particularly concerned that our law enforcement agencies do not have the resources they need to adequately go after cyber criminals and protect our country.”  

Cybersecurity is a multi-layered problem complicated by the fact the Internet is borderless and largely anonymous.  Cyber criminals are able to launch attacks from anywhere around the globe with low chances of being identified and apprehended.  Cybersecurity includes protecting individuals against threats such as identity theft and credit card fraud, but cybersecurity defenses also include protecting our nations’ critical infrastructure from emerging threats.

Additionally, Klobuchar discussed the dangers consumers face when sharing personal data over the Internet and stated her intention to introduce legislation that puts in place safeguards for consumers.  

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