Ruppersberger Releases Statement about Cyber Security Review

(Washington, D.C.)- C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD), Chairman of the Technical and Tactical Intelligence Subcommittee, which oversees the technical aspects of cybersecurity, issued the following statement after the release of President Barack Obama’s 60-day “Cyberspace Policy Review.”  

“Our nation’s cyber networks control so much of what we do every day.  They don’t just power our computers, our cell phones, our Blackberries, and our I-pods.  They power the electrical grid that allow us to turn the lights on, the classified military and intelligence networks that keep us safe, and the broadband networks that link our homes, our schools, our hospitals, and our businesses through the World Wide Web. 

“From my work as Chairman of the Technical and Tactical (T & T) Intelligence Subcommittee, I know the threats we face in cyberspace are real.  Hackers have penetrated the networks at the Department of Defense and NASA, costing our country millions of dollars.  Look at what happened in Estonia.  Hackers reportedly linked to the Russian government attacked websites from the Estonian government, communications firms, political organizations, news organizations, and two of their largest banks.      

“I commend President Barack Obama for completing a thorough review of our nation’s cybersecurity.  It’s an initiative that is long overdue.  Melissa Hathaway, who I worked with on T & T, led the review.  She offered critical input and considerable experience as the Administration creates a road map on how to move forward.  This is great first step.  The public and private sector must work together to ensure our interests are protected.  We must educate the general public about cyber security.  The President’s move to create a new ‘Cyber Czar,’ one person responsible for protecting America’s critical networks, is incredibly important in coordinating efforts.  I look forward to working with this individual as we protect our country while also protecting individual privacy.” 

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