Background: The Department of Homeland Security’s mission of protecting American interests and assets has become much more difficult in recent years. The interconnectivity of critical systems, large vulnerabilities in network security, and the sheer volume of information to be processed all highlight the evolving nature of threats DHS must address on a daily basis. DHS is adapting to the rise in cyber threats and utilizing the tools of big data to make the nation, and its infrastructure, more secure. However, cyber is the sole arena where private companies are the front line of defense in a nation-state attack on U.S. infrastructure.
Question: Federal cyber experts have a limited understanding of unique private sector systems, which limits their ability to provide technical assistance, particularly in response to a cyber-attack. Discuss how a focused effort is needed to develop both cyber expertise and operational system expertise across industry and government.
