DHS issues update on federal efforts to strengthen cybersecurity

The Department of Homeland Security Friday released an initial update on efforts to strengthen the cybersecurity of federal networks and critical infrastructure, including hospitals and health systems, as required by the president’s May executive order. With respect to critical infrastructure, the Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration is accepting stakeholder comments through July 28 on actions that could be taken to address the threat of automated attacks, such as botnets. The President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee also has been asked to provide recommendations on ways to reduce the threat of botnet attacks. Among other actions, the National Institute of Standards and Technology plans to issue a request for comments and hold August public workshops on developing a report on the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.