By Anthony Kimery
Homeland Security Today
Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015 (HR 3510) passed the House of Representatives which would direct the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to develop a departmental strategy to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities as set forth in law.
Authored by Rep.Cedric Richmond (D-La.) ranking member of the Cybersecurity, Infrastructure Protection and Security Technologies Subcommittee, said following passage of the legislation that, “Protecting our nation’s critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks is one of the biggest challenges we face today.”
“We must develop a thoughtful and comprehensive plan in order to resolve vulnerabilities and avoid future attacks,” he stated, adding that, “As evidenced by breaches at the Office of Personnel Management, Anthem and Sony, our current level of cybersecurity must be raised.”
“An important part of improving our nation’s cybersecurity is making sure that the Department of Homeland Security is able to defend our nation and its people from cyber attacks. We must be sure that the DHS has a ample strategy to carry out its mission in the face of ever-changing threats,” Richmond said.
He concluded, saying, “This legislation is proof that there is bipartisan support for finding effective solutions to this issue, and that we are not content to leave security to improvisation. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in Congress and partners at DHS to ensure the best possible protection from any potential threats.”
The Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act of 2015 would require that no later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of the legislation that the DHS secretary “shall develop a departmental strategy to carry out cybersecurity responsibilities as set forth in law.”
Read the full article at HSToday.