A Congressional Research Service report has revealed cybersecurity issues of interest for the 115th Congress.
These include terrorist use of cyberspace, critical infrastructure and encryption as a cybersecurity tool. The report points out that terrorist use of cyberspace is on the rise and persistent vulnerabilities are encouraging terrorists to consider attacks on U.S. critical infrastucture.
The report also outlines federal roles and responsibilities in regards to cybersecurity from the Department of Defense, U.S. Cyber Command, the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice.
It highlights the fact that there have been a number of attacks attempted on U.S. critical infrastructure, citing the recent election meddling attributed to Russia as one example. “The 115th Congress may be faced with the need to address such problems and resolve the controversies, which may be made more urgent by the expected continued evolution of cyberspace, and more difficult by the unpredictable nature of emerging threats,” it says.
It also points out that the current controversy relating to encryption and law enforcement, and the potential of creating a “back door,” is a policy matter that Congress could explore.
The report suggests that Congress should consider a number of factors to make the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act successful, including the timeframe in which information could be shared and protection of confidentiality and civil rights.
Read the full report here
