Cyber Shield Act of 2017 Introduced in the House

Source: Ted Lieu (D-CA, 33rd)



Washington, D.C. - October 28, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) and Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the bicameral Cyber Shield Act of 2017 to create a voluntary program that would independently identify, verify, and label compliant Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices with strong cybersecurity standards. The program would help consumers make well-informed decisions related to cyber and data security. The bill establishes an advisory committee that will create cybersecurity benchmarks for IoT devices such as baby monitors, cameras, cellphones, laptops, and tablets. Companies manufacturing devices that meet the voluntary standards can then display their certification for consumers.

Upon introduction of the bill, Mr. Lieu said:

“Innovation in the Internet-of-Things space has provided us with revolutionary technology that improves lives and enhances business practices. As one of only four Computer Science majors in Congress, I recognize that we must continue to push for advancements in the tech industry. At the same time, it is critical that we prioritize developing products with the security of consumers’ information in mind. The government and tech companies share an obligation to develop more transparency around the security of our favorite devices.

I am proud to introduce this bill alongside Sen. Markey because it will help encourage industries to seek inventive solutions to cyber intrusions while empowering consumers to make smart purchases. This is a necessary step in my ongoing effort to protect privacy and safeguard data for consumers and businesses.”

Upon introduction of the bill, Mr. Markey said:

“The IoT will also stand for the Internet of Threats unless we put in place appropriate cybersecurity safeguards. With as many as 50 billion IoT devices projected to be in our pockets and homes by 2020, cybersecurity will continue to pose a direct threat to economic prosperity, privacy, and our nation’s security. By creating a cybersecurity certification program, the Cyber Shield Act will help ensure consumers can reliably identify more secure products and rewards manufacturers that adopt the best cybersecurity practices. I thank Congressman Lieu for his partnership on this timely legislation.”

Lipinski Helps Introduce Bill to Protect Electric Grid from Cyberattacks

Washington, D.C. - October 2, 2017 - (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) has helped introduce the Securing the Electric Grid to Protect Military Readiness Act of 2017, which requires the Department of Defense to put together a comprehensive report on significant cybersecurity risks to the national electric grid and the potential consequences for military readiness if the grid is attacked.  This legislation will improve America’s defenses and make the power grid we all rely on more secure.

“This bill will help protect our electric grid from attacks by America’s enemies who are trying to take down our defenses,” Rep. Lipinski said.  “It will also help us harden our entire electric grid against cyberattacks, protecting Americans and American businesses from attempts by online adversaries to disrupt our lives.”

The Securing the Electric Grid to Protect Military Readiness Act of 2017, which has a companion bill that was recently introduced in the Senate, requires the Secretaries of Defense, Energy, and Homeland Security, as well as the Director of National Intelligence, to issue a report to Congress identifying significant cybersecurity risks to critical defense infrastructure, assessing the potential effects of such risks on the readiness of America's Armed Forces, evaluating the strategic benefits and challenges of isolating military infrastructure from the electric grid, and recommending a path forward to address these security risks.

Military, Travel Ban, Memorial Day, WOTUS, Land Exchange, Cyber Defense

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“Those who stand between us and loss of freedom –or even annihilation –deserve our utmost respect and honor. The heroic men and women of the U.S. Military risk life and limb daily to certify the safety and security of all Americans at home and abroad. If Congress cannot pass an appropriation, it’s not right for these valiant warriors and their families to suffer through a late paycheck.”
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