On October 27th, 2011, Eric Engleman reported for Bloomberg Businessweek on how Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the DHS, urged Congres to pass cybersecurity legislation that would boost protection for critical infrastructure, transportation systems, and financial networks.  Specifically, Sec. Napolitano supports an Obama administration proposal designed to protect critical infrastructure, require companies to report data breaches based on a national standard, toughen penalties for computer crimes, and direct DHS to work with banks, utilities, and factory owners to improve cybersecurity.  House Republicans put forth a proposal that focuses on infrastructure protection by emphasizing voluntary industry standards and incentives.

Both parties understand the need for "urgent legislative action" on cybersecurity.  However, the legislation is being slowed by the debate between government mandates and private industry incentives.  The Republican proposal also differs from the Obama approach in that it calls for the creation of a cyberattack clearinghouse  to let U.S. agencies and companies that operate the nation’s critical infrastructure share real-time data.  All differences aside, Sec. Napolitano expected that Congress will take action and pass a cybersecurity bill this session.

The source article can be found here.

On October 27th, 2011, Eric Engleman reported for Bloomberg Businessweek on how Janet Napolitano, Secretary of the DHS, urged Congres to pass cybersecurity legislation that would boost protection for critical infrastructure, transportation systems, and financial networks.  Specifically, Sec. Napolitano supports an Obama administration proposal designed to protect critical infrastructure, require companies to report data breaches based on a national standard, toughen penalties for computer crimes, and direct DHS to work with banks, utilities, and factory owners to improve cybersecurity.  House Republicans put forth a proposal that focuses on infrastructure protection by emphasizing voluntary industry standards and incentives.

Both parties understand the need for "urgent legislative action" on cybersecurity.  However, the legislation is being slowed by the debate between government mandates and private industry incentives.  The Republican proposal also differs from the Obama approach in that it calls for the creation of a cyberattack clearinghouse  to let U.S. agencies and companies that operate the nation’s critical infrastructure share real-time data.  All differences aside, Sec. Napolitano expected that Congress will take action and pass a cybersecurity bill this session.

The source article can be found here.