US Senate urged to pass security reforms

The US House of Representatives’ Homeland Security Committee has urged the Senate to support bipartisan legislation aimed at enhancing cyber and election security.

New legislation introduced by the committee’s Chairman, Michael McCaul, has been passed by the House and will be considered by the Senate.

The legislation would enhance the US Department of Homeland Security’s cybersecurity and critical infrastructure-related authority.

Under the proposed Act, the current National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) would be elevated to a standalone organisation to be known as the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

CISA would be headed by the Director of National Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security. It would take responsibility for leading cybersecurity and critical infrastructure security programs, operations and associated policy, as well as coordinating with both federal and non-federal entities on security responses.

McCaul has also urged action on strengthening election security in light of growing fears over Russian influence in US election outcomes.

“With each passing day, the cyber threats facing our homeland continue to grow... Russia is not our friend, and we cannot allow anyone to undermine the confidence in our electoral process,” he said.

“The House has passed bipartisan bills to protect our digital networks from cyber intruders — including nation states, hackers and cybercriminals — who are relentless in their pursuit to target our election and other critical infrastructure. I encourage the Senate to take up these key measures quickly so we can provide the direction and support needed to best combat an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape to keep the American people and our democracy safe and secure.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/pn_photo

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