A federal panel today is scheduled to review the cybersecurity shortfalls at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the U.S. agency charged with defending the nation against computer — and terrorist — threats.
Scott Charbo, chief information officer of the DHS, is expected to testify before the U.S. House Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology in a 2 p.m. EST hearing titled "Hacking the Homeland: Investigating Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities at the Department of Homeland Security."
The call for a hearing came after officials told Congress that DHS has experienced more than 800 cyberincidents — including computer intrusions, virus and worm outbreaks, infected websites and data leaks — from 2005 to 2006, according to published reports. The committee also is expected to address IT budget concerns within DHS.
Also scheduled to testify are two Government Accountability Office officials: Gregory Wilshusen, director of information security issues, and Keith Rhodes, director of the Center for Technology and Engineering.
Earlier this year, DHS scored a "D" on Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) scorecards, up from a failing grade the prior year. The scores are based on FISMA audits of all federal agencies.
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