Carper Praises the Administration’s Efforts to Enhance Cyber Security, Believes More Can Still be Done

WASHINGTON (Apr. 21, 2010) – Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), senior member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and Chairman of the Senate Subcommittee with jurisdiction over the federal government’s cyber security efforts, issued the following statement praising the Obama Administration’s recent memorandum reforming agency cyber security: 

"The memorandum issued today by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Cyber Coordinator, and the Department of Homeland Security is a critical step in our efforts to enhance the federal government’s cyber security efforts. 

"Information technology is increasingly playing a significant role in all of our lives. In fact, the Internet has revolutionized the way people, businesses, and governments interact and communicate. Unfortunately America’s increased reliance on information technology has also made it an appealing target for cyber criminals and nations who may not have our best interests in heart.  One only has to think back about a year or so ago when it came to light that suspected Chinese military officials stole the plans to America’s most advanced jet fighter, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Unfortunately, that’s not the only example of hackers breaking into our nation’s most sensitive networks. For the past three years I have worked tirelessly to highlight the need for stronger cyber security measures, including introducing the United States Information and Communications Enhancement Act  of 2009 (U.S. ICE Act, S.921).

"The Obama Administration’s memoranda implements many of the initiatives outlined in my legislation. For instance, it reinforces the Department of Homeland Security’s role as the coordinating cyber security agency for the federal government, requires agencies to use automated capabilities to continuously monitor their cyber defenses, improves the metrics that agencies use to measure the effectiveness of their cyber defenses, and redirects agency resources from producing ineffective paperwork to investing in proven security.  These measures, although not everything that is needed, will enhance federal agencies’ cyber security efforts and stem the tide against our growing vulnerability to cyber criminals and terrorists.  I applaud the Administration’s recognition of this serious threat and their action today to address this threat and I look forward to working with them and with my Congressional colleagues on additional measures that will strengthen our nation’s cyber security."