Homeland Security could become regulatory agency
A bill submitted in the U.S. Senate would give the U.S. Department of Homeland Security responsibility for security of the Internet and give the president emergency authority over private networks, according to TheHill.com.
The bill was introduced by members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine), Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Thomas Carper (D-Del.) made a floor statement introducing the legislation.
Lieberman said “Our economic security, our national security, our public safety are all at risk as a result from new kinds of enemies with new kinds of names like cyber warriors cyber spies, cyber terrorists and cyber criminals. And that risk may be as serious to Homeland security as anything we face today.”
TheHill.com wrote: “Privacy advocates are likely to raise concerns about the emergency provisions; the decision to house operational security at DHS will also likely meet with opposition. Critics point to (Gen. Keith) Alexander’s role as proof the intelligence community already has too much influence over cybersecurity.”
Alexander is the head of the National Security Agency and commander of the new U.S. Cyber Command.
Story here: “Cybersecurity legislation that would put DHS in charge of civilian cybersecurity to get hearing”
Tom Kelchner