Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLCScarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

Firm Insights

Federal Government Looks To Strengthen Data Security

Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

Date: February 16, 2016

Key Contacts

Back

President Obama Proposes to Strengthen Data Security For The Federal Government – What would that really mean?

After a series of high-profile breaches of federal government systems, President Barak Obama’s recently proposed federal budget for fiscal 2017 includes $19 billion allocation for a broad cybersecurity initiative to strengthen data security. The budget proposal for cybersecurity-related activities represents a more than 35 percent increase from last year’s funding request.

President Obama Proposes to Strengthen Data Security For The Federal Government – What would that really mean?

High-Profile Federal Data Breaches

Federal government databases hold a treasure trove of information for hackers, whether they seek to conduct cyberwarfare or simply commit identity fraud. Earlier this month, the names, titles, phone numbers and email addresses of approximately 30,000 employees of the Department of Homeland Security and Federal Bureau of Protection were posted online. According to the hackers, they obtained the data by breaking into a Department of Justice database. Other high-profile cyberattacks on the federal government include a data intrusion at the Office of Personnel Management that compromised the information of 20 million current and federal employees and contractors.

Proposed Cybersecurity Initiative

As a means to deter future data breaches, the Obama Administration is seeking to modernize the federal government’s aging technical infrastructure. In addition to devoting $3.1 billion to the IT overhaul, the President’s Cybersecurity National Action Plan also calls for a new Federal Chief Information Security Officer who will coordinate the retirement and replacement of legacy IT across the government. Federal agencies will also be required to “identify and prioritize their highest value and most at-risk IT assets” and then implement additional security measures.

“This is not ideological issue. It doesn’t matter if there’s a Democratic president or a Republican president. If you’ve got broken, old systems — computers, mainframes, software — that doesn’t work anymore, then you can keep on putting a bunch of patch on it but it’s not going to make it safe,” President Obama said.

Pursuant to the President’s Executive Order on cybersecurity, the federal government also plans to speed up the adoption of multi-factor authentication and identity proofing for digital services offered to the public. It will also launch public service campaigns regarding the importance of using multi-factor authentication when logging into other online accounts, such as social media and email accounts.

The Obama Administration’s Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP) also includes cybersecurity proposals related to businesses and the private sector. Most notably, the President plans to establish the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, which would be comprised of “top strategic, business, and technical thinkers from outside of Government.” The Commission would be tasked with recommending “actions that can be taken over the next decade to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protections throughout the private sector and at all levels of Government, to protect privacy, to maintain public safety and economic and national security, and to empower Americans to take better control of their digital security.”

Of course, many of the proposed cybersecurity measures will require Congress to sign off. While President Obama has had difficulty pushing many budget proposals through the House of Representatives, the White House stated that President Obama has already had positive discussions with the newly elected Speaker of the House, Rep. Paul Ryan.

Time will tell if this budget will confront opposition, but time is certainly of the essence when it comes to confronting cyber security.

    No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

    Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC, LLC

    Related Posts

    See all
    Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination post image

    Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination

    Earlier this month, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Ames v. Ohio Department of Youth Services vitiating the so-called “background circumstances” test required by half of federal circuit courts.1 The background circumstances test required majority group plaintiffs pleading discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act to meet a heightened pleading standard […]

    Author: Matthew F. Mimnaugh

    Link to post with title - "Supreme Court and Title VII: Implications for Reverse Discrimination"
    SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know post image

    SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know

    Special purpose acquisition companies (better known as SPACs) appear to be making a comeback. SPAC offerings for 2025 have already nearly surpassed last year’s totals, with additional transactions in the pipeline. SPACs last experienced a boom between 2020–2021, with approximately 600 U.S. companies raising a record $163 billion in 2021. Notable companies that went public […]

    Author: Dan Brecher

    Link to post with title - "SPACs Are Back, What You Need to Know"
    Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses post image

    Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses

    Merging two companies is a complex legal and business transaction. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process that involves important corporate governance considerations. A short form merger, in which an acquiring company merges with a subsidiary corporation, offers a more streamlined process. However, […]

    Author: Dan Brecher

    Link to post with title - "Short Form Merger: Streamlining the Process for Businesses"
    Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress post image

    Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress

    The Trump Administration’s new tariffs are having an oversized impact on small businesses, which already tend to operate on razor thin margins. Many businesses have been forced to raise prices, find new suppliers, lay off staff, and delay growth plans. For businesses facing even more dire financial circumstances, there are additional tariff response options, including […]

    Author: Brian D. Spector

    Link to post with title - "Tariff Response Options for Small Businesses Facing Financial Distress"
    Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them post image

    Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them

    Business partnerships, much like marriages, function exceptionally well when partners are aligned but can become challenging when disagreements arise. Partnership disputes often stem from conflicts over business strategy, financial management, and unclear role definitions among partners. Understanding Business Partnership Conflicts Partnership conflicts place significant stress on businesses, making proactive measures essential. Partnerships should establish detailed […]

    Author: Christopher D. Warren

    Link to post with title - "Common Causes of Partnership Disputes and How to Resolve Them"

    No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.

    Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!

    Explore What Matters Most to You.

    Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.

    Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.

    Let`s get in touch!

    * The use of the Internet or this form for communication with the firm or any individual member of the firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Confidential or time-sensitive information should not be sent through this form.

    Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!