Five Critical Cyber Questions for Next DHS Chief

Source: 
Coverage Type: 

[Commentary] Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano's announcement that she plans to leave the department raises interesting questions for what is next for the government's cybersecurity efforts. She, along with recently-departed Deputy Secretary Jane Hall Lute, dedicated a significant amount of resources and time to making cybersecurity a priority for DHS.

So what should the next candidate for Secretary be considering?

  1. China. What role does DHS have in international efforts to combat cyberthreats from China that are affecting our domestic systems? Does this role change if the threat is mostly on the economic side (e.g. cyber espionage and IP theft) rather than national security, i.e. critical infrastructure? What about the department's role in looking at supply chain threats and foreign investment issues in U.S. cyber assets?
  2. Beyond critical infrastructure protection. What role does DHS have in helping the increasing number of businesses and companies impacted by cyberattacks? We know of the debates among voluntary standards for critical infrastructure but what about everyone else?
  3. Privacy and surveillance. Not just Edward Snowden, but increased information sharing. In discussions regarding government privacy, the focus has been on Justice and the intelligence agencies. Will attention now focus more on DHS?
  4. The future. Mobile, cloud and emerging technologies are changing how people use technology and creating new cybersecurity challenges. Is DHS in front of these changes or focused on nuts-and-bolts critical infrastructure protection?
  5. Big data. The sheer volume of information that can be gathered on individuals is staggering and growing. What is DHS doing to address new challenges in this area?

Five Critical Cyber Questions for Next DHS Chief