Cyber-Attacks Against Federal Agencies Up 40 Percent

A look at the week of March 21 in public advocacy for the IT channel  

This week, a comprehensive cybersecurity bill was introduced in the House.  Democrats plan to offer a different way to pay for the 1099 repeal.  Cyber attacks are both increasing in number and becoming more serious, according to a White House report.

Rep. Langevin Introduces Cybersecurity Bill — Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI) unveiled a comprehensive cybersecurity bill that would create a national office to coordinate responses to Internet attacks and give the Department of Homeland Security the authority to decide which private networks can be regulated as "critical infrastructure," says Tech Daily Dose.   The Executive Cyberspace Coordination Act would create a National Office for Cyberspace to oversee efforts by federal agencies to protect against cyber attacks, ensure that the government buys the most advanced technology and encourage a workforce trained to defend against online threats.

Reid Says Democrats Will Offer Alternative 1099 Language — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that Democrats will offer a different way to pay for a repeal of the 1099 provision as an amendment to a small business bill under consideration in the Senate.  Although the small business bill is currently on the Senate floor, lawmakers aren't likely to make much headway before approving the latest short-term continuing resolution, which will fund the government through April 8, before leaving for a week-long recess, The Hill says.

Cyber-Attacks Against Federal Agencies Up 40 Percent — The number of attacks on federal government networks rose 40 percent last year, according to a new White House report on cybersecurity.  The report's findings also correspond with testimony this week from National Security Agency and Cyber Command boss Gen. Keith Alexander, who said enemies of the U.S. now have the ability to cause physical damage using a cyber-attack, The Hill reports.