Carper, Johnson highlight critical update for key cybersecurity guidance

U.S. Sens. Tom Carper (D-DE) and Ron Johnson (R-WI) highlighted a critical update on Thursday from the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) release of updated revisions to Circular A-130, which sets the official policy for OMB and guides information technology management and cybersecurity for federal agencies.

The senators voiced their concerns in a letter to OMB Director Shaun Donovan.

“As the threats we face in cyberspace continue to evolve and grow every day, we must remain vigilant in efforts to insulate our networks and stay one step ahead of those wishing to do us harm,” Carper said. “I am pleased that OMB has released updated guidance for federal agencies that better reflects the evolving threats we face today. It is now up to federal agencies to implement this guidance as quickly as possible and ensure their systems are up-to-date. There is still much work to be done to fully implement FISMA and better secure our cyber networks. I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Johnson, my colleagues in Congress and federal agencies in doing all we can to modernize our information technology systems and cybersecurity processes.”

Johnson, who sits as the ranking member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, said that his focus was on improving the federal government’s cybersecurity by sponsoring bipartisan legislation to strengthen infrastructure and coordination practices amongst federal agencies.