Staff Report
“The cyber threat is increasing and becoming more challenging
as our adversaries grow bolder and more capable…
“Clearly more needs to be done.”
WASHINGTON, DC, Wednesday, June 12, 2013 – U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee today delivered the following statement at a Full Committee hearing addressing the enduring cyber threat.
“Thank you, Madam Chair.
“This is an important hearing on a topic that demands significant Congressional involvement.
“The cyber threat is increasing and becoming more challenging as our adversaries grow bolder and more capable.
“We have seen recent and stark reminders of the threat with constant cyber attacks on the financial sector, Chinese hacking of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal, Iranian attacks against a Saudi oil company and reports that information on our most advanced weapons systems was stolen by the Chinese.
“Earlier this year, an information security company publicly reported that Chinese attackers are running an extensive cyber espionage campaign with the likely support of the Chinese government.
“More recently, the same company exposed Iranian hacking in the United States.
“These troubling developments remind us of how urgently we need a coordinated effort to counter and respond to these attacks.
“Madam Chair, this Committee may be the only one with jurisdiction over the full complement of government organizations involved in cyber security. Therefore, it is appropriate that we take a lead role in the oversight of this effort.
“I would like to hear how each of you perceive the threat and about your continuing efforts to protect critical infrastructure against attack and to address the cyber threat outside the recently issued Executive Order.
“Cyber security is an immediate priority, but the framework envisioned in the Executive Order will take time to develop and even longer to implement.
“There are still areas that need more attention and may require legislation, such as information sharing.
“Additionally, the working relationship between the government and the private sector is still a work in progress. Funding requirements also remain unclear in a time of fiscal uncertainty.
“Clearly more needs to be done.
“I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on the best way to protect government systems and information as you partner with industry to strengthen our cyber infrastructure across the board.
“Thank you, Madam Chair.”
