House committee advances bill that would strengthen cyber defense

The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security recently advanced the Hack Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Act that was introduced by Sens. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Rob Portman (R-OH).

The act would establish a bug bounty pilot program to strengthen cyber defenses at the Department of Defense. Government hackers would be used to identify undiscovered and unique vulnerabilities in the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) data systems and networks.

The hackers would be required to pass a background check. The DHS secretary would work with the attorney general to ensure the hackers do not face prosecutions for their work.

“The bipartisan Hack DHS Act is critical to enhancing the safety and security of millions of Granite Staters and Americans by harnessing the skills of hacker across our country as a force multiplier against the cyber threats that the Department of Homeland Security faces every single day,” Hassan said. “I look forward to seeing this bill become law as soon as possible so that we can better strengthen the safety and security of all hard-working Granite Staters and Americans.”

The bill passed the Senate unanimously earlier this year.

The House by Representatives’ companion bill was introduced by Ted Lieu (D-CA) and Scott Taylor (R-VA).