Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on 21st Century Cyber Threats
Washington, D.C. - On Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., the Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee will hold a hearing on “Investigating and Prosecuting 21st Century Cyber Threats.” The hearing will examine modern-day cyber threats and our current criminal and data breach laws that help combat cyber intrusions and protect sensitive information. In addition, the hearing will look at potential legislative solutions to ensure greater security in the private and public sectors and to prevent data breach incidents that threaten Americans’ personal information.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.) and Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations Subcommittee Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) released the following statements in advance of Wednesday’s hearing.
Chairman Goodlatte: “We have made major technological advances in the 21st century that have increased our quality of life but these advances have also brought with them significant vulnerability to cyber attacks. Recent attacks on government networks have increased our awareness that cybersecurity is critical to our national security and economic well-being. As more data is stored and transmitted electronically, Congress must examine the current tools we have to make sure that they keep pace with modern technology and protect sensitive data from future cyber intrusion.”
Crime Subcommittee Chairman Sensenbrenner: “As technology continues to advance rapidly, our national security is increasingly dependent on a strong cybersecurity infrastructure. We have witnessed bold attacks against financial institutions, the Pentagon, congressional computer systems and American companies. Cyber attacks, stemming largely from China, are a growing threat. The panel present at the hearing will offer further insight into how we can bolster our cybersecurity.”
The witnesses for Wednesday’s hearing include:
Ms. Jenny Durkan, United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington, Department of Justice;
Mr. John Boles, Deputy Assistant Director, Cyber Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation;
Mr. Robert Holleyman II, President and CEO, BSA, The Software Alliance; and
Mr. Orin Kerr, Professor of Law, George Washington University Law School.
All House Judiciary Committee hearings are webcast live at www.judiciary.house.gov. The hearing will take place in 2237 Rayburn. For more information about Wednesday’s hearing, visit /_files/hearings/113th/hear_03132013_2.html.