Bill Aims to Close Cyber Infrastructure Vulnerabilities

Press Release

Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) yesterday introduced the Strengthening Cybersecurity for Critical Infrastructure Act, which would allow the Administration to create a more robust set of regulations for the information systems that control our critical infrastructure. It expands the authority of the Department of Homeland Security to create, verify and enforce measures to protect these critical information systems.

"Much of our critical infrastructure lies in private hands that are often driven by profit motives, not security," said Langevin, founder and co-chair of the House Cybersecurity Caucus. "A lack of regulation on the security of control devices has led to a system that discourages open reporting of problems and rewards ignoring potentially critical concerns. Unfortunately, our government currently lacks the authority to adequately protect our nation's interests."

This bill would also require DHS to work with industry, the Defense and Commerce Departments, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as well as sector specific regulatory agencies, in creating these measures.

"Our nation sits at a crucial moment, where cyber attacks are common, but have not yet significantly halted or endangered the American way of life," said Langevin. "We have the opportunity to prevent and improve our response to these threats, but we must take action now."

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