Congressman: 'No Way To Prevent' Cyber Attacks

The federal government must work with the business community to provide consumers with better security against cyber attacks.

That was the message delivered by U.S. Rep. Jim Himes (D-4), the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee’s Subcommittee on the National Security Agency and Cybersecurity when he gave the keynote address at the Connecticut Technology Council’s Cybersecurity seminar at UCONN-Stamford on Monday.

The seminar focused on opportunities technology companies have to protect themselves and their clients from cybercrime.

“In addition to being a pressing national security concern, cybersecurity is one of the most urgent economic issues facing our country,” Himes said. “The cyber-attacks against Anthem, Target, Home Depot and Sony underscore the damaging consequences of cyber-attacks for the safety and security of Americans’ personal information, as well as a company’s bottom line. These attacks will continue to increase in frequency and sophistication.”

Also participating in the discussion were Rick Harris, of Day Pitney’s New Haven Office where he leads the technology, telecommunications and outsourcing practice group; Matthew Lane, Vice President and Chief Information Officer of the business and information security consulting firm JANUS Associates, and Martin McBride, Supervisory Special Agent who leads the Cyber Squad of the FBI New Haven field office.

Himes conceded there isn’t any way to fully prevent cyber attacks. However, he said, “It is clear that we must update our laws to deal with these 21st century crimes. We need to ensure that government is working closely with the private sector to protect consumers from financial and economic harm of cyber incidents.”

Himes added, “Last week, the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence recorded a unanimous, bipartisan vote to approve the Protecting Cyber Networks Act. I am hopeful that this legislation will move Congress closer to passing a comprehensive cybersecurity bill this year. I will keep working to ensure our intelligence programs strike the right balance between protecting national security and the privacy and civil liberties of our citizens.”

The seminar was the first in a three-part cybersecurity series hosted by the Connecticut Technology Council, a statewide association of technology companies and institutions.

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