U.S. Cyber Security
Background: On August 18, Community Health Systems Inc, one of the nations largest hospital groups, reported it was the victim of a cyber attack from China, resulting in the theft of Social Security numbers and other personal data belonging to 4.5 million patients, according to a report from Reuters.
With more personal identifying information (PII) being stored online than ever before, it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure the security of online systems that house this data. On July 31, Rep. Steve Stockman [R TX], introduced the The Personal Information Notification Act (HR 5202), which would require notification when personally identifying information is disclosed by a Government agency on the Internet.
The focus is on protecting Americans’ PII both on government and private systems. The Data Security And Breach Notification Act (S 1976) focuses on protecting preventing breaches of consumer PII by requiring the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to issue security standards for companies that hold consumers’ personal and financial information. “Companies constantly collect personal information about their customers,” remarked co-sponsor Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV), “Our bill gives consumers the peace of mind that companies are doing everything they can to protect and secure their personal information from criminals.”
Cyber defense is increasingly becoming a priority for the Department of Defense as attacks from home and abroad can lead to large breaches of PII, potentially putting millions of Americans at risk for identity fraud. Below are a number of important cyber-security bills pending in Congress. Weigh in on Popvox to have your voice heard.
- HR 5202
Personal Information Notification Act
To require notification when personally identifying information is disclosed by a Government agency.
- HRes 643
Resolution
— *Bipartisan*— Calling for further defense against the People’s Republic of China’s state-sponsored cyber-enabled theft of trade secrets, including by the People’s Liberation Army.
- S 2588
Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act
To improve cybersecurity in the United States through enhanced sharing of information about cybersecurity threats.
- S 2384
Deter Cybertheft Act
— *Bipartisan*— To require the President to develop a watch list and a priority watch list of foreign countries that engage in economic or industrial espionage in cyberspace with respect to United States trade secrets or proprietary information, to provide for the imposition of sanctions with respect to foreign persons that knowingly benefit from such espionage
- HR 4500
Increase Coordination For Cyber and Information Technology
To improve the management of cyber and information technology ranges and facilities of the Department of Defense
- HR 4215
Federal Agency Data Breach Notification Act
Requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to establish and oversee procedures for agencies to follow in the event of a breach of information security involving the disclosure of personally identifiable information
- HR 3696
National Cybersecurity and Critical Infrastructure Protection Act
— *Bipartisan*— To amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to make certain improvements regarding cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection
- S 1976
Data Security And Breach Notification Act
To protect consumers by requiring reasonable security policies and procedures to protect data containing personal information, and to provide for nationwide notice in the event of a breach of security
