“Cyber attacks now pose one of the greatest threats to our national and economic security. Americans just need to read the news to understand the consistent barrage of attacks our federal agencies, businesses, and critical infrastructure face in cyber space – on a daily basis. This growing threat is too intense for anything but the best defenses. Fortunately, this Administration has made cybersecurity a top priority and has focused its attention on cyber best practices for federal agencies and networks. However, we are reminded nearly every day that more needs to be done in order to stay ahead of the ever-evolving threat. Today’s results from the Administration’s Cybersecurity Sprint underscore that need. Far too many agencies need to step up when it comes to strengthening their cyber defenses. But Congress has a responsibility to help, too. The bill Senator Johnson and I recently shepherded through our Committee would continue progress on these key areas, especially strong authentication measures. Our bill would also enhance and accelerate the deployment of Department of Homeland Security’s federal cybersecurity program known as EINSTEIN. We know all too well that cybersecurity is not only a sprint, it’s a marathon. It will take sustained focus, vigilance, and progress to ensure every federal agency and business is equipped with the capabilities needed to fend off future cyber attacks.”
In June, the Administration launched a 30-day Cybersecurity Sprint to accelerate progress made on enhancing the Federal Government’s cybersecurity. The Sprint’s preliminary reporting shows great progress in federal agency efforts to further protect information and assets, and improve the resilience of federal networks, including: patching critical vulnerabilities, leveraging tools to block high-risk indicators, tightening access for privileged users, and increasing the use of multi-factor authentication. To learn more about the Sprint and its results, visit: https://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2015/07/31/strengthening-enhancing-federal-cybersecurity-21st-century
Earlier this week, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved the Carper-Johnson Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, which would provide federal agencies with stronger tools to protect their critical networks and Americans’ sensitive information.