Bill seeks to enhance cybersecurity, homeland protection

Sens. Rob Portman (R-OH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) reintroduced last week a measure designed to prevent cyberattacks on federal agencies and the private sector while also bolstering homeland protection.

The senators said the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act requires the department to establish cyber hunt and cyber incident response teams permanently.

“Our cyber response teams play an important role in protecting against cyber threats and help get our cyber infrastructure back up and running after an attack occurs,” said Portman, who serves with Hassan on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC). “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation to ensure that DHS has the authorities it needs to effectively reduce cybersecurity risks.”

Cyber response teams play a vital role in helping federal agencies, critical infrastructure, while crucial private sector partners address cyber challenges and disrupt threats from cybercriminals, cyberterrorists, and hostile countries.

“By encouraging the private sector and the Department of Homeland Security’s cyber response teams to work together, this legislation will foster collaboration between the best minds in the field of cybersecurity to help fend off cyberattacks and protect vital infrastructure,” Hassan said. “I appreciate Senator Portman’s continued partnership in our bipartisan efforts to strengthen our country’s cyber defenses and protect the homeland.”

The legislation would require DHS to assist asset owners and operators in restoring services following a cyber-incident; identify potential cyber intrusions and cyber risks to its partners; develop mitigation strategies to prevent, deter and protect against cyber threats; and provide recommendations to asset owners and operators for improving network security.