Press Releases
Schiff Statement on Biden Executive Order on Cybersecurity
Washington,
May 12, 2021
Washington, DC –Today, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement: “Over recent months we have suffered a succession of serious cyber incidents impacting government networks, private companies, and critical infrastructure. The latest, targeting Colonial Pipeline, demonstrates the very real vulnerabilities we face and how cyber attacks can cause serious disruptions. Earlier nation-state cyber incidents like those on SolarWinds and Microsoft Exchange also exemplify how our adversaries aggressively exploit these vulnerabilities. “The stark reality is that the government and private industry have to pitch a perfect game to prevent cyber attacks, while those who perpetrate these attacks only have to succeed once. “President Biden’s executive order today includes numerous positive steps to enhance our cybersecurity posture, but given the sophistication and persistence of online actors, both nation-states and criminals, much more will need to be done. Imposing real costs on malicious actors, establishing a credible deterrence, and ensuring a strong response to the perpetrators of the Colonial Pipeline attack, including any nation that knowingly harbored them, must be a priority. “The House Intelligence Committee will be holding a closed briefing on these issues tomorrow, and we look forward to working with the administration and colleagues on both sides of the aisle to shore up our cyber defenses.” ### |