Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) released a statement after President Barack Obama called for legislation to allow the government and private companies to share information regarding cyber attack related threats and vulnerabilities.
In a statement by Obama, he highlighted on three main issues related to cyber attacks, including identity theft, the creation of a consumer privacy bill of rights, as well as working to protect the privacy and information of children online.
Regarding identity theft, Obama noted that the majority of states have different laws, making compliance difficult and confusing for companies and consumers.
Newly proposed White House standards would force companies to notify consumers of breaches within 30 days; it would also close legal loopholes to go after individuals who steal and sell the identities of Americans, even when the crime occurs overseas.
“President Obama’s call for legislation to improve cybersecurity information sharing underscores the importance of this issue and the need for congressional action,” said Feinstein. Improving cybersecurity means that finding professionals with appropriate cybersecurity skills is essential as well as investing in new cyber technology to protect personal and private data.
Feinstein mentioned a bill she and Senator Saxby Chambliss drafted last year that passed the Intelligence Committee with many related information-sharing provisions.
“The recent attack against Sony as well as numerous hacks of computer networks across the private sector and government show the vital need to share information related to cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities, as well as the necessity to protect companies that choose to do so from liability,” added Feinstein.
“We pioneered the Internet, but we also pioneered the Bill of Rights, and a sense that each of us as individuals have a sphere of privacy around us that should not be breached, whether by our government, but also by commercial interests,” said Obama.
“And since we’re pioneers in both these areas, I’m confident that we can be pioneers in crafting the kind of architecture that will allow us to both grow, innovate, and preserve those values that are so precious to us as Americans.”
Feinstein called the legislation an important step in improving cybersecurity, but not a silver bullet.
