Rep. Greg Walden, R- Oregon, chairman of the subcommittee (Greg Waled/ GregWaled.com)
WASHINGTON— Free of the usual partisan divides, a House panel put aside political differences Wednesday to discuss a growing, universal threat to the national security and economy of the United States — cyberattacks.
“We have a real and very present danger when it comes to cyber threats and our networks,” said Rep. Mike Rodgers, R-Mich. “No one is more technologically integrated than the United States and therefore we are at risk more than other countries.”
Wednesday’s hearing of the Energy and Commerce technology subcommittee, was part of the House’s effort to improve information sharing between the government and private sectors about cybersecurity threats and attacks.
Combining these two spheres will make combating cyber-crime and cyber-espionage easier in the long run, said Rep. Greg Walden, R- Oregon, chairman of the subcommittee.
“The private sector owns most of the critical infrastructure that make up our communications networks, and they are on the front lines of cybersecurity,” he said. “So it is imperative that we examine every option because cybersecurity has become a pressing concern.”
According to statistics released at the hearing, cyber-crime has become a $380 billion industry and continues to grow.
But laws and regulations have not kept up with the growing problem, said James Lewis of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
“This is largely a political problem. Our policies and our laws are inadequate,” Lewis said. “We now know how to reduce risks on networks, but we have chosen not to do so.”
Businesses have pushed for more federal help in combating cyber threats, favoring incentives over regulation.
“The largest barrier to securing cyber space is economic,” said Larry Clinton, president of Internet Security Alliance. “We need to motivate [companies] by providing appropriate market incentives to spur greater security investment.”
Clinton suggested tax breaks and subsidies.
While threats and vulnerability evolve rapidly, a person’s capability to manage risk and remain agile diminishes. However, 80 percent of these vulnerabilities can be avoided, said Robert Dix, vice president of government affairs and critical infrastructure protection at Juniper Networks.
“This is basic blocking and tackling,” said Dix, who also recommended that the government implement a citizen education plan.
“We all remember the messages and public service announcements regarding the need to cough into our sleeves, wash our hands and other protective measures to secure our health,” he said. “We have the opportunity to use the same model… to help educate citizens and small businesses… of infection in cyberspace.”
Any approach to upgrade cyber security will require efforts from both the private and public sectors.
“The government must work together in partnership with private sectors on enhancing the nation’s cyber security preparedness,” said Rep. Doris Matsui, D- Calif. “Simply put, we cannot do it without the other.”
A cybersecurity bill is expected to be introduced in the Senate within the next few weeks. The House, however, will continue to hold committee hearings to discuss cybersecurity responses.
