Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
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	Press Releases September 15, 2003   LIEBERMAN APPLAUDS OVERDUE APPOINTMENT OF CYBER SECURITY CHIEF Warns Of Lack Of Readiness Against Attack   WASHINGTON - In applauding the appointment of a National Cyber Security Chief within the Department of Homeland Security, Governmental Affairs Committee Ranking Member Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., expressed serious concern Tuesday about the nation’s lack of readiness against a cyber attack. “The Bush Administration has shown insufficient leadership and offered little guidance on the enormous cyber security problems we face,” Lieberman said. “Instead, it has left the public sector, the private sector and the average computer user at home to fend for themselves.” “We have fallen far behind where we should be,” Lieberman continued, “and frankly, we cannot afford it. The numerous computer worms that plagued Internet systems this year - and the $12 billion in economic losses that accompanied them - show just how vulnerable we have become. Unless this Administration takes action soon, we will suffer additional losses.” Lieberman said Amit Yoran’s background shows broad experience with computer security in both the public and private sectors - experience that will be critical to the success of the Cyber Security Division of DHS. But he noted that Mr. Yoran will be playing a difficult game of catch-up. “The Bush Administration issued an extremely vague strategy on cyber security in early February, and has done little since,” Lieberman said. “It has shown inadequate attention to the development of a comprehensive and effective plan, much less a timeline for implementing the plan.” In March, Lieberman asked Homeland Security Department Secretary Tom Ridge when and how he planned to establish an inventory of critical infrastructure, including cyber and other assets, that need protection. Nearly six months later the Department has still failed to take that basic step. “The Administration has demonstrated, though its neglect of cyber security, that computer security is not a priority,” Lieberman said. “This has been a mistake, but perhaps Mr. Yoran, with his impressive experience and background, will be able to begin to address these very important issues.” -30-   ###   Printable Version   « previous Press Release next Press Release »   1998 - 1999 - 2000 - 2001 - 2002 - 2003 - 2004 - 2005 - 2006 - 2007 September 2003 Press Releases August   |  October   --   2002   |  2004     September 30 - GAC Democrats Seek Directive to Prevent Cover-Up in Investigation Surrounding Disclosure of CIA Agent's Identity   September 29 - Lieberman Demands White House Preserve Records and Cooperate Fully with Investigation into Disclosure of CIA Agent's Identity   September 24 - Administration Unwilling to Fight for Homeland Resources   September 24 - Lieberman Seeks White House Contacts Regarding Global Warming Lawsuit   September 23 - Lieberman, Lautenberg Seek Hearings on No Bid Contracts   September 22 - Lieberman Calls Revised Cost-Benefit Guidelines Immoral Tool to Block Tougher Environmental Protections   September 17 - Lieberman Says Listen to the Mayors: Insufficient Funds are Reaching the Front Lines   September 17 - “US Postal Service: What Can Be Done to Ensure Its Future Viability?”   September 17 - Lieberman Says Homeland Security Will be Forced to Skimp   September 16 - Lieberman Welcomes Terrorist Screening Center Despite Two-Year Delay   September 15 current Press Release   September 12 - Lieberman Calls on Bush To Ensure Fair Bidding on Iraqi Contracts   September 12 - Postal Service Should Assess Security Needs Before Eliminating Security Officers   September 10 - Dodd, Lieberman Announce New London Firefighters to Receive Over $100,000   September 10 - Lieberman Refutes Bush Boast of Greater Homeland Security   September 4 - Lieberman Welcomes DOE Investigation into Spiking Gas Prices   September 4 - Senators Question DHS Decision to Throw Open Vital Immigration Functions to the Lowest Bidder
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Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs 340 Dirksen Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20510