Kilmer, Tsongas bill will increase military cyber security
WASHINGTON, DC – April 24, 2014 – Congressman Derek Kilmer (WA-6) and Congresswoman Niki Tsongas (MA-3) announced today they will introduce legislation to make the Department of Defense information technology systems stronger, more efficient and more secure.
Kilmer and Tsongas have authored the Department of Defense Cloud Security Act, which directs the Comptroller General of the United States and the Chief Information Officer of the Department of Defense to assess the cloud security requirements of the Department of Defense.
Specifically, the bill requires a full evaluation of the overall security and potential capabilities of the current DOD cloud system; a determination of best practices related to cloud security by both public and private entities in order establish security requirements for the DOD; and an examination of the potential for commercial cloud providers to host DOD information systems.
“We have a great opportunity to serve the interests of America’s national security, our nation’s innovative technology companies, and of taxpayers by making progress on the promotion of commercial cloud capability within the Department of Defense,” said Rep. Kilmer. “It’s important for the DOD to fully embrace innovative technologies the private sector can provide. I’m pleased to work with Representative Tsongas on this common sense reform legislation to reinforce the Administration’s stated objectives of implementing the principles of Better Buying Power and to level the playing field between commercial and government solutions.”
“Modern warfare requires modern technology and America must focus on remaining at the forefront of innovation,” Rep. Tsongas said. “In order to do so, the DOD must more effectively take advantage of technological advancements, such as cloud technology, but do so in a safe, efficient way. This legislation will allow DOD to take full advantage of the cloud services and best practices from both the government and commercial sector, which will in turn decrease costs, increase accessibility and allow for a more secure system overall.”
“As cloud technology matures, its use by Federal agencies, including intelligence agencies, and the private sector will clearly continue to grow," said Charlie Benway, Executive Director of the Advanced Cyber Security Center located in Boston, MA. “Congresswoman Tsongas’ and Congressman Kilmer’s leadership through this bill paves the way for Congressional support for the Defense Department to appropriately leverage the cloud and maximize the potential enhanced security benefits and cost reductions - two major priorities resulting from advanced persistent cyber threats and the constrained defense budget.”
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