House Cybersecurity Caucus launches new Web site

Published 19 August 2010

Billions of dollars are spent on cybersecurity; the House cybersecurity caucus has launched a new Web site, and observers say it could provide a valuable public service if it helps aggregate disparate activities and acts as a Federal cybersecurity information hub

Earlier this month, the House cybersecurity caucus launched a new Web site in order to “allow the public to have access to news and information in regard to cybersecurity policy.” The House cybersecurity caucus is chaired by Congressmen Jim Langevin (D-Rhode island) and Mike McCaul (R-Texas), and includes eighteen other members.

The site is still a little light on content with the latest news being a 2 August press release announcing the new Web presences. The “facts and figures” and “resources” tabs are full of standard information available on many other sites. Networkworld reports that there is also a link to the now famous Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th President — a very informative document albeit that is nearly 2-years old.

Networkworld writes that eventually the site will come to serve a valuable purpose — as an aggregation point for Federal cybersecurity efforts. This should include but not be limited to:

1. Pending legislation: There are eight bills in various stages making their way through the House and Senate. The House cybersecurity caucus site could be a clearinghouse for information on this activity.

2. Cybersecurity programs. These are happening at DOD, DHS, NSA, and many of the civilian agencies. What do these programs do? How much is being spent? The cybersecurity caucus can help the American people get their arms around how their tax dollars are being spent.

3. The state of cybersecurity in the federal government. There are lots of sources for the private sector but it would be helpful to see the house cybersecurity caucus Web site act as an aggregation point for federal news. Which agencies are being breached? What is the current status of TIC, CNCI, and Einstein? This information is available today, but it would be nice to find it without a 1995-like Web surfing session.

In short, “The House Cybersecurity Caucus site could provide a valuable public service if it helps aggregate disparate activities and acts as a Federal cybersecurity information hub,” Networkworld concludes.