House Passes Legislation to Defend U.S. Digital Infrastructure Against Cyberattacks

WASHINGTON – October 7, 2015 – (RealEstateRama) — U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10), Vice Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, released the following statement after House passage of theDepartment of Homeland Security (DHS) Cybersecurity Strategy Act (H.R. 3510), legislation that strengthens our nation’s cybersecurity by requiring DHS to establish a cybersecurity strategy:

“In an age when our nation’s physical and economic security is increasingly reliant on evolving technologies, those seeking to do our nation and its citizens harm now attempt to attack our country through cyberspace, launching attacks on our power grid and other critical digital infrastructure. These threats come from nation-states like North Korea, Russia, Iran, and China, as well as cyber criminals who seek to steal not only personal information, but also intellectual property and sensitive government information. Recent attacks, like the breach of the Office of Personnel Management, have put some of our citizens’ most private information at-risk.

“To address these vulnerabilities, the House passed legislation that requires DHS develop a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy and implementation plan that outlines proactive defense measures, as well as a rapid response strategy in the event of a cyber breach. This legislation is a critical step in ensuring we have the resources to protect ourselves and our nation’s digital infrastructure.”  

Highlights of the Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Strategy Act (H.R. 3510):

• Require DHS to develop a cybersecurity strategy, to include the operational goals and priorities required to execute its cybersecurity responsibilities, not later than 60 days after the date of enactment;
• Direct DHS to issue an implementation plan for the cybersecurity strategy, to include strategic objectives and corresponding tasks, projected timelines and costs, and metrics, within 90 days of the development of the strategy;
• Prohibit any reorganization of National Protection and Programs Directorate without prior authorization from Congress.