Cybersecurity (April 2012)

Two years after the 9/11 attacks, the Northeast and parts of the Midwest experienced one of the largest, most widespread blackouts in U.S. history.

Just over two months ago, the House Homeland Security subcommittee that oversees cybersecurity unanimously approved the Precise Act, legislation requiring the relatively few companies that run our nation’s critical infrastructure, such as the electric grid and water systems, to ensure their computer networks meet minimum safety standards. Just as the airline industry must follow Federal Aviation Administration safety standards, the companies that own and operate the infrastructure on which the public most relies should be accountable for protecting their consumers when confronted with a significant risk.

The House this week will consider the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act.

We have been fortunate that up until this point, cyberattacks in our country have not caused a cataclysmic event that has brought physical harm to Americans. But that is not for a lack of effort on the part of those who mean to destroy our way of life — every day nations and “hacktivist” groups penetrate our public and private computer networks.

This past fall, U.S. intelligence officials unveiled a report to Congress on economic espionage that shocked many in business and government circles. 

This week is “Cybersecurity Week” in the House of Representatives, and members will vote on a handful of bills intended to protect cybersecurity.