Cybersecurity: Federal Government Authoritative Reports and Resources

Cybersecurity: Federal Government Authoritative Reports and Resources

Cybersecurity: Federal Government Authoritative Reports and Resources

November 13, 2017 (R44427)
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Contents

Introduction

Tables

Table 1. Federal Government: Overview Reports and Resources

Table 2. Federal Acquisitions Rules and Federal Contractors

Table 3. Agency Audits and Evaluations

Table 4. Federal Workforce

Table 5. White House and Office of Management and Budget

Table 6. Cybersecurity Framework (NIST) and Information Sharing

Table 7. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

Table 8. Department of Defense (DOD)

Table 9. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Summary

This report serves as a starting point for congressional staff assigned to cover cybersecurity issues related to federal and military government activities. Much is written by and about the federal government's efforts to address cybersecurity policy challenges, and this CRS report directs the reader to authoritative sources that address many of the most prominent issues. The annotated descriptions of these sources are listed in reverse chronological order with an emphasis on material published in the past several years. This report includes resources and studies from government agencies (federal, state, local, and international), think tanks, academic institutions, news organizations, and other sources related to

Table 1, overview reports;

Table 2, federal acquisitions rules and federal contractors;

Table 3, federal agency audits and evaluations, including Government Accountability Office (GAO);

Table 4, federal workforce;

Table 5, White House and Office of Management and Budget (OMB);

Table 6, cybersecurity framework and information sharing;

Table 7, Department of Homeland Security (DHS);

Table 8, Department of Defense (DOD); and

Table 9, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

The following CRS reports comprise a series that compiles authoritative reports and resources on these additional cybersecurity topics:

CRS Report R44405, Cybersecurity: Overview Reports and Links to Government, News, and Related Resources, by [author name scrubbed]

CRS Report R44406, Cybersecurity: Education, Training, and R&D Authoritative Reports and Resources, by [author name scrubbed]

CRS Report R44408, Cybersecurity: Cybercrime and National Security Authoritative Reports and Resources, by [author name scrubbed]

CRS Report R44410, Cybersecurity: Critical Infrastructure Authoritative Reports and Resources, by [author name scrubbed]

CRS Report R44417, Cybersecurity: State, Local, and International Authoritative Reports and Resources, by [author name scrubbed]

CRS Report R43310, Cybersecurity: Data, Statistics, and Glossaries, by [author name scrubbed]

CRS Report R43317, Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents, by [author name scrubbed]

Cybersecurity: Federal Government Authoritative Reports and Resources

Introduction

This report serves as a starting point for congressional staff assigned to cover cybersecurity issues related to federal and military agency activities. Much is written by and about the federal government's efforts to address cybersecurity policy and practical challenges, and this CRS report directs the reader to authoritative sources that address many of the most prominent issues. The annotated descriptions of these sources are listed in reverse chronological order with an emphasis on material published in the past several years. This report includes resources and studies from government agencies (federal, state, local, and international), think tanks, academic institutions, news organizations, and other sources related to

Table 1, overview reports;

Table 2, federal acquisitions rules and federal contractors;

Table 3, federal agency audits and evaluations, including Government Accountability Office (GAO);

Table 4, federal Workforce;

Table 5, White House and Office of Management and Budget (OMB);

Table 6, cybersecurity framework and information sharing;

Table 7, Department of Homeland Security (DHS);

Table 8, Department of Defense (DOD); and

Table 9, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Table 1. Federal Government: Overview Reports and Resources

Title

Source

Date

Notes

GAO reports on Cybersecurity

GAO

Continuously Updated

A list of five "Key Reports," and dozens of other cybersecurity reports by GAO.

National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC)

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

Continuously Updated

The NSTIC pilot projects seek to catalyze a marketplace of online identity solutions that ensures the envisioned Identity Ecosystem is trustworthy and reliable. Using privacy-enhancing architectures in real-world environments, the pilots are testing new methods for online identification for consumers that increase usability, security, and interoperability to safeguard online transactions.

Federal cybersecurity initiatives timeline - Draft 1.b

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

Continuously Updated

A timeline of presidential and congressional cybersecurity initiatives from 1998 to the present.

State of (US) Federal Information Technology Report

US CIO Council

January 19, 2017

The publication provides an overview of the government's path to the current state of information technology and 11 recommendations for the future of government information technology. (155 pages)

Cyber-Related Sanctions Regulations

Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury (OFAC)

December 31, 2015

OFAC is issuing regulations to implement Executive Order 13694, "Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities," April 1, 2015. OFAC intends to supplement this part 578 with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive and definitional guidance and additional general licenses and statements of licensing policy. (8 pages)

Comments on Stakeholder Engagement on Cybersecurity in the Digital Ecosystem

National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA)

June 1, 2015

Public comments to the NTIA regarding its new voluntary cybersecurity project three main areas of industry and researcher concern: (1) the Internet of Things, (2) vulnerability disclosure, and (3) malware.

2016 Internet Security Threat Report | Government

Symantec

April 13, 2016

Public-sector data breaches exposed some 28 million identities in 2015, but hackers were responsible for only one-third of those compromises, according to new research. Negligence was behind nearly two-thirds of the exposed identities through government agencies. In total, the report suggests 21 million identities were compromised accidentally, compared with 6 million by hackers.

Formation of the Office of Technology Research and Investigation (OTRI)

Federal Trade Commission

(FTC)

March 23, 2015

The OTRI will provide expert research, investigative techniques, and further insights to the agency on technology issues involving all facets of the FTC's consumer protection mission, including privacy, data security, connected cars, smart homes, algorithmic transparency, emerging payment methods, big data, and the Internet of Things.

Stakeholder Engagement on Cybersecurity in the Digital Ecosystem

NTIA

March 19, 2015

"The Internet Policy Task Force (IPTF) is requesting comment to identify substantive cybersecurity issues that affect the digital ecosystem and digital economic growth where broad consensus, coordinated action, and the development of best practices could substantially improve security for organizations and consumers. The IPTF invites public comment on these issues from all stakeholders with an interest in cybersecurity, including the commercial, academic, and civil society sectors, and from relevant federal, state, local, and tribal entities." (4 pages)

Federal Incident Reporting Guidelines

United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team
(US-CERT)

October 1, 2014

The guidance instructs federal agencies to classify incidents according to their impacts rather than by categories of attack methods. It modifies a 2007 requirement for agencies to report to US-CERT within an hour any incident involving the loss of personally identifiable information (PII). Rather, agencies should notify US-CERT of a confirmed cyber incident within one hour of it reaching the attention of an agency's security operations center or IT department. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) said in a concurrently released memo that nonelectronic losses of PII must also be reported within an hour of a confirmed breach but should be reported to the agency privacy office rather than US-CERT. (10 pages)

Measuring What Matters: Reducing Risks by Rethinking How We Evaluate Cybersecurity

National Academy of Public Administration and Safegov.org

March 2013

Federal agencies and their inspectors general should keep running scorecards of "cyber risk indicators" based on continual information governance assessments of a their organization's cyber vulnerabilities, rather than periodically auditing whether an agency's systems meet the standards enumerated in the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) at a static moment in time. (39 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources ae web pages.

Table 2. Federal Acquisitions Rules and Federal Contractors

(including regulations, guidance documents, and audit reports)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

Report to the President on Federal IT Modernization - Request for Comment

American Technology Council

August 30, 2017

The ATC's plan first calls for the technical standards agency NIST to send OMB instructions for how to protect these high-value assets. Next, it directs OMB and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to produce a report about common vulnerabilities in these systems. Agencies with serious vulnerabilities would then have to submit a "remediation plan." (52 pages)

Information Technology: Opportunities for Improving Acquisitions and Operations

GAO

April 11, 2017

GAO assembled a panel of information technology (IT) experts on September 14, 2016, to elicit additional ideas to further improve delivery and operations of IT. Forum participants discussed the challenges and opportunities for chief information officers (CIO) to improve IT acquisitions and operations—with the goal of better informing policymakers and government leadership. They identified key actions related to the following topics: strengthening the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA), improving CIO authorities, budget formulation, governance, workforce, operations, and transition planning. (32 pages)

Cybersecurity Services

General Services Administration (GSA)

April 11, 2016

GSA's Federal Acquisition Service (FAS) Office of Integrated Technology Services (ITS) is conducting business channel research to gain an enhanced understanding of what agencies' needs are, what solutions currently exist, and what role GSA can play in improving the ability of agencies to procure the suite of cybersecurity services. This information will help GSA identify current offerings available, improve the visibility of those offerings, and determine gaps that need to be filled.

Fiscal Year 2015 Top Management Challenges

Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Office of Inspector General (OIG)

October 30, 2015

See Internal Challenges section (pp. 10-19) for a discussion of challenges related to information technology, improper payments, the retirement claims process, and the procurement process. Officials in OPM's Office of Procurement Operations violated the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the agency's own policies in awarding a $20.7 million contract to provide credit monitoring and ID theft services. Investigators turned up "significant deficiencies" in the process of awarding the contract to Winvale Group and its subcontractor CSID. (22 pages)

Improving Cybersecurity Protections in Federal Acquisitions Public Comment Space

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

August 10, 2015

OMB proposed that agencies make private-sector adherence to cybersecurity controls a contractual requirement. It is also proposed that contractors operating systems on behalf of federal agencies earn an official approval known as an "Authority to Operate," and that vendors implement a program of continuous monitoring. Also, under an existing policy, security controls for the private sector handling of "controlled unclassified information" will become mandatory for civilian agency contractors in 2016.

Request for Comments on Improving Cybersecurity Protections in Federal Acquisitions

OMB

July 30, 2015

OMB's Office of E-Government & Information Technology (E-Gov) is seeking public comment on draft guidance to improve cybersecurity protections in federal acquisitions. The increase in threats facing federal information systems demand that certain issues regarding security of information on these systems is clearly, effectively, and consistently addressed in federal contracts. (1 page)

Information Security: Agencies Need to Improve Oversight of Contractor Controls

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

September 8, 2014

Although the six federal agencies—the Departments of Energy, Homeland Security, State, and Transportation; the Environmental Protection Agency; and the Office of Personnel Management—that GAO reviewed generally established security and privacy requirements and planned effectiveness assessments of contractor implementation of controls, five of the six agencies were inconsistent in overseeing the execution and review of those assessments, resulting in security lapses. For example, in one agency, testing did not discover that background checks of contractor employees were not conducted. (43 pages)

Cybersecurity for Government Contractors

Robert Nichols et al., West Briefing Papers

April 2014

The briefing paper presents a summary of the key legal issues and evolving compliance obligations that contractors now face in the federal cybersecurity landscape. It provides an overview of the most prevalent types of cyberattacks and targets and the federal cybersecurity budget; outlines the current federal cybersecurity legal requirements applicable to government contractors, including statutory and regulatory requirements, the President's 2013 cybersecurity executive order, the resulting "cybersecurity framework" issued by NIST in February 2014; highlights further expected developments; and identifies and discusses the real-world legal risks that contractors face when confronting cyberattacks and addresses the availability of possible liability backstops in the face of such attacks. (28 pages)

Improving Cybersecurity and Resilience through Acquisition

Department of Defense (DOD) and the GSA

January 23, 2014

DOD and GSA jointly released a report announcing six planned reforms to improve the cybersecurity and resilience of the Federal Acquisition System. The report provides a path forward to aligning federal cybersecurity risk management and acquisition processes. It provides strategic recommendations for addressing relevant issues, suggests how challenges might be resolved, and identifies important considerations for the implementation of the recommendations. (24 pages)

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Safeguarding Unclassified Controlled Technical Information

DOD

November 18, 2013

The regulation imposed two new requirements: (1) an obligation on contractors to provide adequate security to safeguard unclassified controlled technical information (UCTI) and (2) contractors' obligation to report cyber incidents that affect UCTI to contracting officers. In both obligations, UCTI is defined as "technical information with military or space application that is subject to controls on access, use, reproduction, modification, performance, display, release, disclosure, or dissemination." This is the first time DOD has imposed specific requirements for cybersecurity that are generally applicable to all contractors. (10 pages)

Joint Working Group on Improving Cybersecurity and Resilience Through Acquisition, Notice of Request for Information

GSA

May 13, 2013

Among other things, Presidential Policy Directive-21requires GSA, in consultation with DOD and DHS, to jointly provide and support government-wide contracts for critical infrastructure systems and ensure that such contracts include audit rights for the security and resilience of critical infrastructure. (3 pages)

Basic Safeguarding of Contractor Information Systems (Proposed Rule)

DOD, GSA, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

August 24, 2012

This regulation, authored by DOD, GSA, and NASA, "would add a contract clause to address requirements for the basic safeguarding of contractor information systems that contain or process information provided by or generated for the government (other than public information)." (4 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Table 3. Agency Audits and Evaluations

(reports evaluating agency cybersecurity programs, excluding DHS and DOD, see Tables 7 and 8 below)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

GAO reports on cybersecurity

GAO

Continuously Updated

A list of five"Key Reports," and dozens of other cybersecurity reports by GAO.

Pulse: How Federal Government Domains are Meeting Best Practices on the Web

General Services Administration (GSA)

Continuously Updated

Pulse.cio.gov is a public dashboard that displays how well all federal domains are performing in accordance with government-wide web policy requirements and best practices. The first release of Pulse covers two areas of federal web policy—Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) and the Digital Analytics Program (DAP).

Database of Unclassified Federal Cyber Spending

Taxpayers for Common Sense

Continuously Updated

The database presents information on unclassified federal cyber spending from FY2007 to FY2016. Dollar figures are actual numbers through 2015. FY2016 numbers are estimates included with President Obama's FY2017 budget request.

Oversight.gov

Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency (CIGIE)

Continuously Updated

The site includes a publicly accessible, text searchable repository of reports published by participating federal inspectors general (IGs). The reports appearing on Oversight.gov, as well as the data associated with them, have been posted directly to the site by the IG that issued it.

Information Security: OPM Has Improved Controls, but Further Efforts Are Needed

GAO

August 3, 2017

GAO evaluated OPM's (1) actions since the 2015 reported data breaches to prevent, mitigate, and respond to data breaches involving sensitive personnel records and information; (2) information security policies and practices for implementing selected government-wide initiatives and requirements; and (3) procedures for overseeing the security of OPM information maintained by contractors providing IT services. (42 pages)

State Department Telecommunications: Information on Vendors and Cyber-Threat Nations

GAO

July 27, 2017

Federal telecommunications systems can include a variety of equipment, products, and services that may be produced by foreign manufacturers—and may potentially be vulnerable to manipulation by a cyber-threat nation like China, Iran, North Korea, or Russia. GAO examined foreign manufacturers of the State Department's critical telecommunications equipment and services to identify those that might be closely linked to these nations. GAO did not identify any reported close link but did identify some manufacturers, software developers, and contractors that had suppliers that were based in one of these nations. (15 pages)

Information Security: Control Deficiencies Continue to Limit IRS's Effectiveness in Protecting Sensitive Financial and Taxpayer Data

GAO

July 26, 2017

During FY2016, IRS made improvements in access controls over a number of system administrator accounts and updated certain software to prevent exposure to known vulnerabilities. However, the agency did not always (1) limit or prevent unnecessary access to systems, (2) monitor system activities to reasonably assure compliance with security policies, (3) reasonably assure that software was vendor supported and updated to protect against known vulnerabilities, (4) segregate incompatible duties, and (5) update system contingency plans to reflect changes to the operating environment. (42 pages)

Department of Veterans Affairs Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) Audit for FY 2016

Veterans Affairs Inspector General

June 21, 2017

The audit, noting some improvements, identified continuing significant deficiencies related to access controls, configuration management controls, continuous monitoring controls, and service continuity practices designed to protect mission-critical systems. Further, VA has not remediated approximately 7,200 outstanding system security risks in its corresponding Plans of Action and Milestones to improve its information security posture. (67 pages)

Semiannual Report to Congress, October 1, 2016 to March

Health and Human Services Dept. Inspector General

June 2, 2017

The amount and complexity of HHS data makes it difficult for the department to adequately protect that data from hackers and from improper access by employees and contractors. The report states that the department is conducting penetration testing of HHS networks and applications to determine whether security safeguards are strong enough. The tests also aim to determine how sophisticated an attacker would have to be to gain access to data and how likely the department is to spot the penetration. (77 pages)

Homeland Security: Progress Made to Implement IT Reform, but Additional Chief Information Officer Involvement Needed

GAO

May 18, 2017

GAO analyzed DHS's efforts to implement a sample of 31 of 109 action plans that DHS had reported as complete and that described later-stage implementation steps. To determine challenges, GAO analyzed and compared DHS documentation, including a random sample of IT-related contracts and agreements, to selected FITARA provisions to identify gaps between what was required by FITARA and what DHS had implemented. (58 pages)

Cybersecurity: Actions Needed to Strengthen U.S. Capabilities.

GAO

February 14, 2017

The statement (1) provides an overview of GAO's work related to cybersecurity of the federal government and the nation's critical infrastructure and (2) identifies areas of consistency between GAO recommendations and those recently made by the Cybersecurity Commission and CSIS. Over the past several years, GAO has made about 2,500 recommendations to federal agencies to enhance their information security programs and controls. As of February 2017, about 1,000 recommendations had not been implemented. (25 pages)

Industrial Control System Security Within NASA's Critical and Supporting Infrastructure

NASA Office of Inspector General

February 8, 2017

The report examined "whether NASA has implemented effective policies, procedures, and controls to protect the systems it uses to operate its critical infrastructure." The report found that that agency "has not adequately defined OT, developed a centralized inventory of OT systems, or established a standard protocol to protect systems that contain OT components." Problems arise due to the complications inherent in combining manual operational technology systems with more sophisticated IT systems. For example, using IT security practices to address issues in IT systems can cause malfunctions. (30 pages)

Review of the Department of Health and Human Services' Compliance with the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 for Fiscal Year 2016

HHS Office of Inspector General

February 2017

HHS is making progress in improving its information security practices, but it still has gaps that put sensitive data and systems at risk of compromise. The OIG report notes that overall, in comparison to its FISMA review of HHS a year ago, the agency has made improvements, with the number of negative findings declining. (69 pages)

Fifth Generation Wireless Network and Device Security

FCC

January 23, 2017

The FCCommission seeks comment on new security issues that implementation of the fifth generation (5G) wireless network and device security presents to the general public, and on the current state of planning to address these issues. The inquiry, focusing on cybersecurity for 5G, raises fundamental questions about scope and responsibilities for such security. The proceeding's goal is to begin a conversation on the state of 5G wireless network and device security and to foster a dialogue on the best methods for ensuring that the 5G wireless networks and devices used by service providers in their operations are secure from the beginning. (6 pages)

Cybersecurity Risk Reduction

FCC

January 18, 2017

The white paper describes the risk reduction portfolio of the current FCC and suggests actions to affirmatively reduce cyberrisk in a manner that incents competition, protects consumers, and reduces significant national security risks. The document presents a strategy to promote an acceptable balance between corporate and consumer interests in cyber risk management when elements of market failure are at work. It acknowledges that the commission's preference is to work collaboratively with industry using private and public partnerships. However, if market forces do not result in a tolerable risk outcome, the commission has tools available to make adjustments to restore the balance. (56 pages)

Designation of Election Infrastructure as a Critical Infrastructure Subsector

DHS

January 6, 2017

DHS has added the U.S. election infrastructure to the list of protected critical infrastructure sectors of the economy. This designation means that election infrastructure becomes a priority within the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. It also enables DHS to prioritize its cybersecurity assistance to state and local election officials, but only for those who request it.

Postmarket Management of Cybersecurity in Medical Devices: Guidance for Industry and FDA Staff

FDA

December 28, 2016

The guidance informs industry and FDA staff of the agency's recommendations for managing postmarket cybersecurity vulnerabilities for marketed and distributed medical devices. In addition to the specific recommendations contained in the guidance, manufacturers are encouraged to address cybersecurity throughout the product lifecycle, including during the design, development, production, distribution, deployment and maintenance of the device. (30 pages)

Cybersecurity Considerations for Benefit Plans

2016 ERISA Advisory Council (Department of Labor)

November 10, 2016

The ERISA Advisory Council offered its final suggestions on cybersecurity protections for retirement plans to the Department of Labor. The council boiled its recommendations down to two: make its report publicly available as soon as administratively feasible and provide information to the employee benefit plan community to educate them on cybersecurity risks and potential approaches for managing those risks. (33 pages)

Federal Information Security Modernization Act Audit FY 2016

OPM Inspector General

November 9, 2016

OPM still suffers from extensive cyber weaknesses, including inadequate scanning for computer vulnerabilities and extremely high turnover among staffers responsible for information security. The turnover also contributed to a "significant regression" in OPM compliance with FISMA. (94 pages)

Cybersecurity Incident Handling Is Ineffective and Incomplete

DOT Inspector General

October 13, 2016

The audit assessed DOT's policies and procedures for (1) monitoring, detecting, and eradicating cyber incidents, and (2) reporting incidents and their resolutions to appropriate authorities. DOT's Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO) has not ensured that the Department's Security Operations Center has access to all departmental systems or required the center to consider incident risk, thus limiting the center's ability to effectively monitor, detect, and eradicate cyber incidents. (18 pages)

Commodity Futures Trading Commission's Policies and Procedures For Reviewing Registrants' Cybersecurity Policies

CFTC Inspector General

October 11, 2016

The audit found that the CFTC, in conducting cyber security examinations of the firms, did not employ a "risk-based approach" to "independently test results of the cybersecurity assessments" it prepared. The finding sparked sharp disagreement with the CFTC, which in a response to the audit defended its exams and disputed the way the watchdog characterized them. (49 pages)

Department of Energy's Unclassified Cybersecurity Program 2016

DOE Inspector General

October 2016

DOE has made progress shoring up vulnerabilities previously identified by its inspector general in unclassified IT systems, but significant flaws persist. The audit indicates "issues related to vulnerability management, system integrity of web applications, access controls and segregation of duties, and configuration management, continue to exist." The audit goes on to list several issues that call into question DOE's vulnerability management program. (25 pages)

Critical Infrastructure Threat Information Sharing Framework: A Reference Guide for the Critical Infrastructure Community

DHS

October 2016

The framework is a resource to help critical infrastructure owners and operators, and other private sector, federal, and state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) government partners that share threat information, learn where they can turn, and in what circumstances, to both receive and report threat information. Threat information in the framework is limited to information sharing pertaining to man-made threats, including both cyber and physical threats, to critical infrastructure. The document is not new policy, but describes the various processes and mechanisms currently used to share threat information and the existing array of threat information-sharing entities involved in those processes. (110 pages)

FDA Needs to Rectify Control Weaknesses That Place Industry and Public Health Data at Risk

GAO

September 29, 2016

The FDA did not fully or consistently implement access controls, which are intended to prevent, limit, and detect unauthorized access to computing resources. Specifically, FDA did not always (1) adequately protect the boundaries of its network, (2) consistently identify and authenticate system users, (3) limit users' access to only what was required to perform their duties, (4) encrypt sensitive data, (5) consistently audit and monitor system activity, and (6) conduct physical security reviews of its facilities. (59 pages)

Federal Information Security: Actions Needed to Address Challenges

GAO

September 19, 2016

Cyber incidents affecting federal agencies have continued to grow, increasing about 1,300% from FY2006 to FY2015. Several laws and policies establish a framework for the federal government's information security and assign implementation and oversight responsibilities to key federal entities, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), executive branch agencies, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). However, implementation of this framework has been inconsistent, and additional actions are needed. (17 pages)

Cybersecurity Act of 2015 Report: EPA's Policies and Procedures to Protect Systems With Personally Identifiable Information

EPA Office of Inspector General

August 11, 2016

OIG conducted an audit to determine to what extent the EPA implemented information system security policies and procedures to protect agency systems that provide access to national security or Personally Identifiable Information (PII), as outlined in Section 406 of the Cybersecurity Act of 2015. The report addresses EPA's goal or cross-agency strategy: Embracing EPA as a high-performing organization. (The full report is not public.) (1 page)

U.S. General Services Administration Cybersecurity Act Assessment

GSA Office of Inspector General

August 10, 2016

GSA policies and procedures regarding access controls are generally consistent with significant government-wide policies and procedures, including relevant standards established by NIST and OMB, according to GSA's Office of Inspector General. (9 pages)

Inspection of Federal Computer Security at the U.S. Department of the Interior

Dept. of Interior Office of Inspector General

August 9, 2016

DOI has implemented measures, such as multifactor authentication and software inventory management, to reduce the risk of unauthorized access to its computer systems and prevent spending public funds on unused software. DOI, however, needs to update its logical access controls to meet current standards, ensure that its mobile computing devices are encrypted and securely configured, and obtain the ability to inspect encrypted traffic for malicious content. (21 pages)

Review of IT Security Policies, Procedures, Practices, and Capabilities in Accordance with the Cybersecurity Act of 2015

Department of Commerce

August 4, 2016

Commerce's logical access policies generally followed appropriate standards and specific operating units told OIG they had such access controls in most systems. All nine operating units OIG examined have "external monitoring, security operations centers, intrusion detection systems/intrusion prevention systems, and event correlation tools." (18 pages)

HHS Needs to Strengthen Security and Privacy Guidance and Oversight

GAO

August 1, 2016

In 2015, 113 million electronic health records were breached, a major leap over the 12.5 million the year before. In 2009, the number was less than 135,000. The number of reported hacks and breaches affecting records of at least 500 individuals rose from none in 2009 to 56 last year, almost double from 2014.

Cybersecurity Act of 2015 Report: CSB's Policies and Procedures to Protect Systems With Personally Identifiable Information

EPA Inspector General

August 1, 2016

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) maintains one computer system that contains sensitive PII, according to the Environmental Protection Agency's inspector general. The audit, required under the Cybersecurity Act of 2015, includes a one-page summary of the findings "due to the sensitive nature of the information identified." The summary did not say if the audit had flagged security problems at CSB. The EPA inspector general has oversight of CSB, an independent agency. The inspector general's office examined eight areas of the system, including how CSB controls access to the system and looks for signs of external intrusions. (1 pages)

Report on the Department of Justice's Cybersecurity Logical Access Controls and Data Security Management Practices Pursuant to the Cybersecurity Act of 2015, Section 406, Federal Computer Security

DOJ Office of Inspector General

August 1, 2016

KPMG found that DOJ has developed policies and procedures to implement the controls addressed in Section 406 to establish an information security program compliant with NIST. For Logical Access Policies and Multi-factor Authentication, KPMG found that DOJ is making progress in implementing personal identity verification (PIV) logical access for privileged and unprivileged users across the organization, but significant work still needs to occur related to the PIV multi-factor implementation. (18 pages)

Work Plan: Status of Audit and Evaluation Projects

Federal Reserve Office of Inspector General

July 8, 2016

The growing sophistication and volume of cybersecurity threats presents a serious risk to all financial institutions. The report reviews how the Federal Reserve System's examination process has evolved and whether it is providing adequate oversight of financial institutions' information security controls and cybersecurity threats. The Fed has already developed guidance for banks "to define expectations for information security and data breach management." Now the watchdog agency will review how—and if—banks are complying with that guidance. (43 pages; see pp. 4-5)

FDIC Implemented Controls over Financial Systems, but Further Improvements are Needed

GAO

June 29, 2016

As part of its audit of the 2015 financial statements of the Deposit Insurance Fund and the Federal Savings and Loan Insurance Corporation Resolution Fund administered by FDIC, GAO assessed the effectiveness of the corporation's controls in protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its financial systems and information. To do so, GAO examined security policies, procedures, reports, and other documents; tested controls over key financial applications; and interviewed FDIC personnel. (29 pages)

Agencies Need to Improve Controls over Selected High-Impact Systems

GAO

June 21, 2016

Federal systems categorized as high impact—those that hold sensitive information, the loss of which could cause individuals, the government, or the nation catastrophic harm—warrant increased security to protect them. In this report, GAO (1) describes the extent to which agencies have identified cyber threats and have reported incidents involving high-impact systems, (2) identifies government-wide guidance and efforts to protect these systems, and (3) assesses the effectiveness of controls to protect selected high-impact systems at federal agencies. To do this, GAO surveyed 24 federal agencies; examined federal policies, standards, guidelines and reports; and interviewed agency officials (94 pages)

Management Report: Areas for Improvement in the Federal Reserve Banks' Information Systems Controls

GAO

June 6, 2016

The report presents the deficiencies identified during GAO's FY2015 testing of information systems controls over key financial systems maintained and operated by Federal Reserve Banks on behalf of Treasury that are relevant to the Schedule of Federal Debt. The report also includes the results of GAO's FY2015 follow-up on the status of FRBs' corrective actions to address information systems control-related deficiencies and associated recommendations contained in GAO's prior years' reports that were open as of September 30, 2014. (9 pages)

Federal Agencies Need to Address Aging Legacy Systems

GAO

May 26, 2016

GAO is making 16 recommendations, one of which is for OMB to develop a goal for its spending measure and finalize draft guidance to identify and prioritize legacy IT needing to be modernized or replaced. GAO is also recommending that selected agencies address at-risk and obsolete legacy O&M investments. (87 pages)

Second Interim Status Report on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Infrastructure Improvement Project – Major IT Business Case

OPM

May 18, 2016

The report finds that funding for the troubled IT security upgrades project remains an issue in part because of poor planning by the agency. The inspector general finds that the agency still lacks a "realistic budget" for the massive upgrade. (12 pages)

Polar Weather Satellites: NOAA Is Working to Ensure Continuity but Needs to Quickly Address Information Security Weaknesses and Future Program Uncertainties

GAO

May 17, 2016

Although the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) established information security policies in key areas recommended by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program has not yet fully implemented them. Specifically, the program categorized the JPSS ground system as a high-impact system and selected and implemented multiple relevant security controls. However, the program has not yet fully implemented almost half of the recommended security controls, did not have all of the information it needed when assessing security controls, and has not addressed key vulnerabilities in a timely manner. Until NOAA addresses these weaknesses, the JPSS ground system remains at high risk of compromise. (70 pages)

Management Alert Report: GSA Data Breach

General Services Administration Office of Inspector General

May 12, 2016

The inspector general of the General Services Administration said the 18F tech squad should stop using Slack after the group messaging app was linked to an internal data breach. As part of an audit report, the IG found that 18F's configuration of Slack had allowed access to more than 100 Google Drive accounts inside the agency, resulting in a data breach that potentially exposed "sensitive content" like personal information. According to the report, a supervisor said the issue has been fixed, but the IG said 18F "should cease using Slack" until it's approved as a "standard product" under agency rules. (4 pages)

Information Security: Opportunities Exist for SEC to Improve Its Controls over Financial Systems and Data

GAO

April 28, 2016

The report details weaknesses GAO identified in the information security program at SEC during its audit of the commission's FY2015 and FY2014 financial statements. GAO's objective was to determine the effectiveness of information security controls for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of SEC's key financial systems and information. To do this, GAO examined information security policies, plans, and procedures; tested controls over key financial applications; interviewed agency officials; and assessed corrective actions taken to address previously reported weaknesses. (26 pages)

Final Memorandum, Review of NASA's Information Security Program

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

April 14, 2016

Although NASA has made progress in meeting requirements in support of an agency-wide information security program, it has not fully implemented key management controls essential to managing that program. Specifically, NASA lacks an agency-wide risk management framework for information security and information security architecture. (17 pages)

Information Security: IRS Needs to Further Enhance Controls over Taxpayer and Financial Data

GAO

April 14, 2016

The statement discusses (1) IRS's information security controls over tax processing and financial systems and (2) roles that federal agencies with government-wide information security responsibilities play in providing guidance and oversight to agencies. The statement is based on previously published GAO work and a review of federal guidance. (22 pages)

Vehicle Cybersecurity: DOT and Industry Have Efforts Under Way, but DOT Needs to Define Its Role in Responding to a Real-world Attack

GAO

March 24, 2016

The report addresses, among other things, (1) available information about the key cybersecurity vulnerabilities in modern vehicles that could impact passenger safety; (2) key practices and technologies, if any, available to mitigate vehicle cybersecurity vulnerabilities and the impacts of potential attacks; (3) views of selected stakeholders on challenges they face related to vehicle cybersecurity and industry-led efforts to address vehicle cybersecurity; and (4) DOT efforts to address vehicle cybersecurity. (61 pages)

Healthcare.gov: Actions Needed to Enhance Information Security and Privacy Controls

GAO

March 23, 2016

GAO was asked to review security issues related to the data hub, and CMS oversight of state-based marketplaces. Its objectives were to (1) describe security and privacy incidents reported for Healthcare.gov and related systems, (2) assess the effectiveness of security controls for the data hub, and (3) assess CMS oversight of state-based marketplaces and the security of selected state-based marketplaces. GAO reviewed incident data, analyzed networks and controls, reviewed policies and procedures, and interviewed CMS and marketplace officials. (55 pages)

Audit of the EPA's compliance with the mandated "Inspector General Report or Personally Identifiable Information

EPA

March 14, 2016

EPA's inspector general's office said it will "determine to what extent the EPA implemented information system security policies and procedures to protect agency systems" under cybersecurity provisions contained in the 2015 omnibus spending package (P.L. 114-113). The IG will examine the Office of Administrative Services Information System, which contains a wealth of employee personal information to facilitate agency administration, and the Superfund Cost Recovery Package Imaging Online System, which is used to detail government and contractor expenses related to Superfund cleanup. (8 pages)

Assessing the FDA's Cybersecurity Guidelines for Medical Device Manufacturers: Why Subtle "Suggestions" May Not Be Enough

Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology

February 15, 2016

The guidance advises medical device manufacturers to address cybersecurity "throughout a product's lifecycle" and is the latest action by the FDA that underscores its position that medical device cybersecurity is a priority for the health sector. However, despite the implied sense of urgency, the FDA has chosen not to implement enforceable regulations over medical device manufacturers. This examination of the FDA's 'suggestions' provides a concise summary of the draft guidance as well as recommendations for the healthcare community. (9 pages)

FY2015 Federal Information Security Modernization Act Report: Status of CSB's Information Security Program

EPA Office of Inspector General

January 27, 2016

The Chemical Safety Board, the government board that investigates industrial chemical accidents, does not keep track of computer systems it has outsourced to contractors, which could jeopardize information confidentiality. The audit criticizes the board for lacking a complete catalog of contractor-run systems, as well as databases maintained by other federal agencies. Data applications running in the cloud also have not been inventoried. (30 pages)

The Way Forward for Federal Background Investigations

FBI

January 22, 2016

The Obama Administration is creating a new organization within the Office of Personnel Management to handle background investigations, in its latest response to last year's revelations that hackers had pilfered highly sensitive documents on 22 million Americans. The new organization, the National Background Investigations Bureau, will be headed by a presidential appointee and will have a "considerable amount of operational autonomy." The technology systems will be "designed, built, secured, and operated" by the Defense Department.

Audit of NRC's Network Security Operations Center

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), Office of the Inspector General

January 11, 2016

According to the audit, security contracts related to unclassified nuclear computer systems do not specify who is responsible for protecting them from attacks. The NRC's Security Operations Center (SOC) is not "optimized to protect the agency's network in the current cyber treat environment." The report did not examine classified NRC networks. (18 pages)

DOT&E FY2015 Annual Report (Cybersecurity excerpt; click here for full report)

DOD Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation

January 2016

Despite some key improvements from the previous fiscal year, Defense Department missions and systems remain vulnerable to hacking. Cyber testing teams deployed on DOD networks were "frequently in a position to deliver cyber effects that could degrade the performance of operational missions." (8 pages)

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Measures Needed to Assess Agencies' Promotion of the Cybersecurity Framework

GAO

December 17, 2015

The Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2014 included provisions for GAO to review aspects of the cybersecurity standards and procedures developed by the National Information Standards and Technology (NIST). The report determines the extent to which (1) NIST facilitated the development of voluntary cybersecurity standards and procedures and (2) federal agencies promoted these standards and procedures. GAO examined NIST's efforts to develop standards, surveyed a non-generalizable sample of critical infrastructure stakeholders, reviewed agency documentation, and interviewed relevant officials. (48 pages)

Semiannual Report to the Congress: April 1, 2015 to September 30, 2015

Department of State, Office of Inspector General (OIG)

December 9, 2015

Between April and September 2015, a number of cybersecurity incidents illustrated deficiencies in the way State department personnel went about protecting networks. Malicious actors exploited vulnerabilities, compromised sensitive information, and caused significant downtime to normal business operations. (99 pages)

Department of Education and Other Federal Agencies Need to Better Implement Controls

GAO

November 17, 2015

Since 1997, GAO has identified federal information security as a government-wide high-risk area, and in February 2015, expanded this to include protecting the privacy of personally identifiable information (PII). This statement provides information on cyber threats facing federal systems and information security weaknesses identified at federal agencies, including the Department of Education. (27 pages)

Federal Agencies Need to Better Protect Sensitive Data

GAO

November 17, 2015

Over the past six years, GAO has made about 2,000 recommendations to improve information security programs and associated security controls. Agencies have implemented about 58% of these recommendations. Further, agency inspectors general have made a multitude of recommendations to assist their agencies. (22 pages)

Implementation of Reform Legislation Needed to Improve Acquisitions and Operations

GAO

November 4, 2015

The law commonly known as the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) was enacted in December 2014 and aims to improve federal information technology (IT) acquisition and operations. As GAO previously reported, underperformance of federal IT projects can be traced to a lack of disciplined and effective management and inadequate executive-level oversight. Last year, GAO added improving the management of IT acquisitions and operations to its high-risk list—a list of agencies and program areas that are high risk due to their vulnerabilities to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, or are most in need of transformation. (21 pages)

Inspector General's Statement Summarizing the Major Management and Performance Challenges Facing the U.S. Department of the Interior

Department of the Interior (DOI), OIG

November 2015

Networks at the Department of the Interior (DOI) were breached (nearly 20 times) over the past several years. An OIG report states, "hackers and foreign intelligence services have compromised DOI's computer networks by exploiting vulnerabilities in publicly accessible systems ... result[ing] in the loss of sensitive data and disruption of bureau operations." (Discussion of breaches starts on page 23.) (72 pages)

High-Risk Security Vulnerabilities Identified During Reviews of Information System General Controls at Three California Managed-Care Organizations Raise Concerns About the Integrity of Systems Used To Process Medicaid Claims

Health and Human Services (HHS), OIG

November 2015

Federal auditors found 74 high-risk security vulnerabilities in the IT systems of three California Medicaid-managed care organizations. The OIG found that most of these security vulnerabilities were "significant and pervasive" and potentially put Medicaid claims data at risk. The report raised concerns about the integrity of the systems used to process Medicaid-managed care claims.(19 pages)

Fiscal Year 2015 Top Management Challenges

Office of Personnel Management (OPM), OIG

October 30, 2015

See Internal Challenges section (pp. 10-19) for a discussion of challenges related to information technology, improper payments, the retirement claims process, and the procurement process. Officials in OPM's Office of Procurement Operations violated the Federal Acquisition Regulation and the agency's own policies in awarding a $20.7 million contract to provide credit monitoring and ID theft services. Investigators turned up "significant deficiencies" in the process of awarding the contract to Winvale Group and its subcontractor CSID. (22 pages)

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Cybersecurity of the Nation's Electricity Grid Requires Continued Attention

GAO

October 21, 2015

In a 2011 report, GAO recommended that (1) NIST improve its cybersecurity standards, (2) the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) assess whether challenges identified by GAO should be addressed in ongoing cybersecurity efforts, and (3) FERC coordinate with other regulators to identify strategies for monitoring compliance with voluntary standards. The agencies agreed with the recommendations, but FERC has not taken steps to monitor compliance with voluntary standards. (18 pages)

Agencies Need to Correct Weaknesses and Fully Implement Security Programs

GAO

September 29, 2015

Persistent weaknesses at 24 federal agencies illustrate the challenges they face in effectively applying information security policies and practices. The deficiencies place critical information and information systems used to support the operations, assets, and federal personnel at risk, and can impair agencies' efforts to fully implement effective information security programs. In prior reports, GAO and inspectors general have made hundreds of recommendations to agencies addressing deficiencies in their information security controls and weaknesses in their programs, but many of these recommendations remain unimplemented. (71 pages)

Defense Cybersecurity: Opportunities Exist for DOD to Share Cybersecurity Resources with Small Businesses

GAO

September 24, 2015

DOD's Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) has explored some options, such as online training videos, to integrate cybersecurity into its existing efforts; however, as of July 2015, the office had not identified and disseminated cybersecurity resources in its outreach and education efforts to defense small businesses. Although DOD OSBP is not required to educate small businesses on cybersecurity, its officials acknowledged that cybersecurity is an important and timely issue for small businesses. (32 pages)

Records: Energy Department Struck by Cyber Attacks

USA Today Review of Department of Energy Records

September 11, 2015

According to information obtained by USA Today through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, the Department of Energy's computer systems were breached by attackers more than 150 times between 2010 and 2014. Although there were many failed attempts to break into the systems, the success rate was roughly 15%.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' Implementation of Security Controls Over the Multidimensional Insurance Data Analytics System Needs Improvement

HHS, OIG

September 2015

HealthCare.gov relies on a $110 million digital repository called MIDAS to store the information it collects. While MIDAS does not handle medical records, it does store names, Social Security numbers, addresses, passport numbers, and financial and employment information for exchange customers. In addition to poor security policies, the HHS audit found 135 database vulnerabilities—such as software bugs—22 of which were classified as "high risk." (7 pages)

Information Security Concerns

Department of Labor (DOL), OIG

July 31, 2015

Report asserts that DOL only recently turned its attention to implementing two-factor authentication agency-wide in response to data breaches at OPM. It also detailed lingering problems with former employees and contractors having privileged access to government systems. (16 pages)

Defense Infrastructure: Improvements in DOD Reporting and Cybersecurity Implementation Needed to Enhance Utility Resilience Planning

GAO

July 23, 2015

The report addresses (1) whether threats and hazards have caused utility disruptions on DOD installations and, if so, what impacts they have had; (2) the extent to which DOD's collection and reporting on utility disruptions is comprehensive and accurate; and (3) the extent to which DOD has taken actions and developed and implemented guidance to mitigate risks to operations at its installations in the event of utility disruptions. (72 pages)

U.S. Postal Service Cybersecurity Functions

U.S. Postal Service (USPS), OIG

July 17, 2015

The report found that Postal Service leadership had not fostered a culture of effective cybersecurity across the enterprise. Staffing and resources for cybersecurity functions focused heavily on complying with specific legal and industry requirements, leaving limited resources for systems that are not subject to these requirements. In addition, management had not integrated cybersecurity risks into a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. (41 pages)

Cyberthreats and Data Breaches Illustrate Need for Stronger Controls across Federal Agencies

GAO

July 8, 2015

This statement summarizes (1) cyberthreats to federal systems, (2) challenges facing federal agencies in securing their systems and information, and (3) government-wide initiatives aimed at improving cybersecurity. In preparing this statement, GAO relied on its previously published and ongoing work in this area. In previous work, GAO and agency IGs have made hundreds of recommendations to assist agencies in addressing cybersecurity challenges. GAO has also made recommendations to improve government-wide initiatives. (25 pages)

Audit of the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Implementation of Its Next Generation Cyber Initiative

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

July 2015

Following the Office of the Inspector General's (OIG) April 2011 report on the FBI's ability to address the national cyber intrusion threat, in October 2012 the FBI launched its Next Generation Cyber (Next Gen Cyber) Initiative to enhance its ability to address cybersecurity threats to the United States. The objective of this audit was to evaluate the FBI's implementation of its Next Gen Cyber Initiative. (40 pages)

Recent Data Breaches Illustrate Need for Strong Controls across Federal Agencies

GAO

June 24, 2015

This statement summarizes (1) challenges facing federal agencies in securing their systems and information and (2) government-wide initiatives, including those led by DHS, aimed at improving cybersecurity. In preparing this statement, GAO relied on its previously published and ongoing work in this area. (17 pages)

Insider Threats: DOD Should Strengthen Management and Guidance to Protect Classified Information and Systems

GAO

June 2, 2015

DOD components have identified technical and policy changes to help protect classified information and systems from insider threats, but DOD is not consistently collecting this information to support management and oversight responsibilities. According to Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Intelligence officials, they do not consistently collect this information because DOD has not identified a program office that is focused on overseeing the insider-threat program. Without an identified program office dedicated to oversight of insider-threat programs, DOD may not be able to ensure the collection of all needed information and could face challenges in establishing goals and in recommending resources and improvements to address insider threats. This is an unclassified version of a classified report GAO issued in April 2015. (55 pages)

Cybersecurity: Actions Needed to Address Challenges Facing Federal Systems

GAO

April 22, 2015

Because of the risk posed by certain cyberthreats, it is crucial that the federal government take appropriate steps to secure its information and information systems. Until agencies take actions to address these challenges—including the hundreds of recommendations GAO and inspectors general made—their systems and information will be at increased risk of compromise from cyber-based attacks and other threats. (21 pages)

Air Traffic Control: FAA Needs a More Comprehensive Approach to Address Cybersecurity As Agency Transitions to NextGen

GAO

April 14, 2015

GAO reviewed the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA's) cybersecurity efforts. The report (1) identifies the cybersecurity challenges facing FAA as it shifts to the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen) and how FAA has begun addressing those challenges, and (2) assesses the extent to which FAA and its contractors, in the acquisition of NextGen programs, have followed federal guidelines for incorporating cybersecurity controls. (56 pages)

FDIC Implemented Many Controls over Financial Systems, but Opportunities for Improvement Remain

GAO

April 9, 2015

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) has implemented numerous information security controls intended to protect its key financial systems; nevertheless, weaknesses remain that place the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of financial systems and information at risk. In 2014, the corporation implemented 27 of the 36 GAO recommendations pertaining to previously reported security weaknesses that were unaddressed as of December 31, 2013; actions to implement the remaining 9 recommendations are in progress. (28 pages)

Review of Medicare Contractor Information Security Program Evaluations for Fiscal Year 2013

HHS, OIG

April 2015

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) contracted with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to evaluate information security programs at the Medicare administrative contractors (MACs), fiscal intermediaries, and carriers using a set of agreed-upon procedures. Some MACs have made improvements in their information security programs, but most still have a way to go in closing a number of key gaps. Among the concerns cited in the report are a lack of policies and procedures to reduce risk, failure to conduct periodic testing of information security controls, and insufficient incident detection reporting and response. (19 pages)

The FBI: Protecting the Homeland in the 21st Century

9/11 Review Commission

March 26, 2015

The 9/11 Review Commission found in its report on the FBI and its modern national security mission that while the FBI and DHS' relationship has improved in the past few years, especially on counterterrorism, that improvement has lagged in the area of cybersecurity. "The challenge for both DHS and the FBI in coordinating cyber relationships is due in large part to the lack of clarity at the national level on cyber roles and responsibilities," the commissioners wrote. "While Washington tries to coordinate the overlapping responsibilities of various federal agencies, the private sector is left in the dark. … The FBI is limited in its cyber efforts by the muddled national cyber architecture that will continue to affect the relationship with DHS. This issue … is beyond the FBI's ability to address in isolation." (128 pages)

Information Security: IRS Needs to Continue Improving Controls over Financial and Taxpayer Data

GAO

March 19, 2015

Until the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes additional steps to (1) address unresolved and newly identified control deficiencies and (2) effectively implement elements of its information security program, including updating policies, test and evaluation procedures, and remedial action procedures, its financial and taxpayer data will remain unnecessarily vulnerable to inappropriate and undetected use, modification, or disclosure. GAO recommends that IRS take five additional actions to more effectively implement elements of its information security program. In a separate report with limited distribution, GAO recommends 14 actions that IRS can take to address newly identified control weaknesses. (30 pages)

Healthcare.gov: CMS Has Taken Steps to Address Problems, but Needs to Further Implement Systems Development Best Practices

GAO

March 4, 2015

GAO reviewed CMS's management of the development of IT systems supporting the federal marketplace. Its objectives were to (1) describe problems encountered in developing and deploying systems supporting Healthcare.gov and determine the status of efforts to address deficiencies and (2) determine the extent to which CMS applied disciplined practices for managing and overseeing the development effort, and the extent to which HHS and OMB provided oversight. GAO recommended that CMS take seven actions to implement improvements in its requirements management, system testing, and project oversight, and that HHS improve its oversight of the Healthcare.gov effort. (86 pages)

High Risk List: Ensuring the Security of Federal Information Systems and Cyber Critical Infrastructure and Protecting the Privacy of Personally Identifiable Information

GAO

February 11, 2015

If cyber assets are not adequately protected, it "could lead to serious consequences and result in substantial harm to individuals and to the federal government." The government still faces challenges in achieving that goal, however, in several areas, including establishing risk-based cybersecurity programs at federal agencies, securing the global IT supply chain, securing critical infrastructure, overseeing IT contractors, improving incident response, and putting security programs in place at small agencies.

DOT&E FY 2014 Annual Report (Director Of Operational Test & Evaluation)

DOD Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E)

January 2015

A series of live fire tests of the military's computer networks security in 2015 found many combatant commands could be compromised by low-to-middling skilled hackers and might not be able to "fight through" in the face of enemy cyberattacks. The assessment echoes previous OT&E annual assessments, which routinely found that military services and combatant commands did not have a sufficiently robust security posture or training to repel sustained cyberattacks during battle. (91 pages)

A Review of the U.S. Navy Cyber Defense Capabilities: Abbreviated Version of a Classified Report

National Research Council (NRC)

January 2015

The NRC appointed an expert committee to review the U.S. Navy's cyber defense capabilities. The Department of the Navy determined that the committee's final report is classified in its entirety under Executive Order 13526 and therefore cannot be made available to the public. A Review of U.S. Navy Cyber Defense Capabilities, the abbreviated report, provides background information on the full report and the committee that prepared it. (13 pages)

Final Audit Report: Federal Information Security Management Act Audit FY 2014

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

November 12, 2014

OPM's OIG reported that the agency "does not maintain a comprehensive inventory of servers, databases, and network devices." The report also noted that eleven "major systems" were operating without the agency certifying they met security standards. (66 pages)

FFIEC Cybersecurity Assessment: General Observations

Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC)

November 3, 2014

Companies are critically dependent on IT. Financial companies should routinely scan IT networks for vulnerabilities and anomalous activities and test systems for potential exposure to cyberattacks. The study recommends sharing threat data through such avenues as the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center.

Healthcare.gov: Information Security and Privacy Controls Should Be Enhanced to Address Weaknesses

GAO

September 18, 2014

The specific objectives of this work were to (1) describe the planned exchanges of information between the Healthcare.gov website and other organizations and (2) assess the effectiveness of programs and controls CMS implemented to protect the security and privacy of the information and IT systems supporting Healthcare.gov. Although CMS has security and privacy protections in place for Healthcare.gov and related systems, weaknesses exist that put these systems and the sensitive personal information they contain at risk. (17 pages)

FDIC Made Progress in Securing Key Financial Systems, but Weaknesses Remain

GAO

July 17, 2014

FDIC has implemented numerous information security controls intended to protect its key financial systems; nevertheless, weaknesses place the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of financial systems and information at unnecessary risk. In 2013, the corporation implemented 28 of the 39 open GAO recommendations pertaining to previously reported security weaknesses that were unaddressed as of December 31, 2012. (30 pages)

Maritime Critical Infrastructure Protection: DHS Needs to Better Address Port Cybersecurity

GAO

June 5, 2014

GAO's objective was to identify the extent to which DHS and other stakeholders have taken steps to address cybersecurity in the maritime port environment. GAO examined relevant laws and regulations, analyzed federal cybersecurity-related policies and plans, observed operations at three U.S. ports selected based on being a high-risk port and a leader in calls by vessel type (e.g., container), and interviewed federal and nonfederal officials. (54 pages)

HHS Activities to Enhance Cybersecurity

HHS

May 12, 2014

Additional oversight on cybersecurity issues from outside of HHS is not necessary, according to an HHS report on its existing cyber regulatory policies. "All of the regulatory programs identified [in the HHS Section 10(a) analysis] operate within particular segments of the [Healthcare and Public Health] Sector. Expanding any or each of these authorities solely to address cybersecurity issues would not be appropriate or recommended."

Inadequate Practice and Management Hinder Department's Incident Detection and Response

Department of Commerce (DOC) OIG

April 24, 2014

Auditors sent a prolonged stream of deliberately suspicious network traffic to five public-facing websites at the DOC to assess incident-detection capabilities. Only one bureau—auditors do not say which—successfully moved to block the suspicious traffic. Responses at the other bureaus ranged from no action to ineffective action, even for those that paid for special security services from vendors. (15 pages)

IRS Needs to Address Control Weaknesses That Place Financial and Taxpayer Data at Risk

GAO

April 8, 2014

"Until the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) takes additional steps to (1) more effectively implement its testing and monitoring capabilities, (2) ensure that policies and procedures are updated, and (3) address unresolved and newly identified control deficiencies, its financial and taxpayer data will remain vulnerable to inappropriate and undetected use, modification, or disclosure. These deficiencies, including shortcomings in the information security program, indicate that IRS had a significant deficiency in its internal control over its financial reporting systems for FY2013." (29 pages)

High-Risk Security Vulnerabilities Identified During Reviews of Information Technology General Controls at State Medicaid Agencies

HHS OIG

March 2014

The report says dozens of high-risk security vulnerabilities found in information systems at 10 state Medicaid agencies should serve as a warning to other states about the need to take action to prevent fraud.

Agency Responses to Breaches of Personally Identifiable Information Need to Be More Consistent

GAO

December 9, 2013

GAO recommends that "to improve the consistency and effectiveness of governmentwide data breach response programs, the Director of OMB should update its guidance on federal agencies' responses to a PII-related data breach to include (1) guidance on notifying affected individuals based on a determination of the level of risk; (2) criteria for determining whether to offer assistance such as credit monitoring to affected individuals; and (3) revised reporting requirements for PII-related breaches to US-CERT [Computer Emergency Response Team], including time frames that better reflect the needs of individual agencies and the government as a whole and consolidated reporting of incidents that pose limited risk." (67 pages)

The Department of Energy's July 2013 Cyber Security Breach

DOE OIG

December 2013

Nearly eight times as many current and former DOE staff members were affected by a July 2013 computer hack than was previously estimated, according to the agency's inspector general. In August, DOE estimated that the hack affected roughly 14,000 current and former staff, leaking personally identifiable information, such as Social Security numbers, birthdays, and banking information, but the breach apparently affected more than 104,000 people. (28 pages)

GPS Disruptions: Efforts to Assess Risks to Critical Infrastructure and Coordinate Agency Actions Should Be Enhanced 

GAO

November 6, 2013

GAO was reviewed the effects of global positioning system (GPS) disruptions on the nation's critical infrastructure. GAO examined (1) the extent to which DHS has assessed the risks and potential effects of GPS disruptions on critical infrastructure; (2) the extent to which the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DHS have developed backup strategies to mitigate GPS disruptions; and (3) what strategies, if any, selected critical infrastructure sectors employ to mitigate GPS disruptions and any remaining challenges. (58 pages)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Unclassified Cyber Security Program - 2013

DOE OIG

October 2013

To help protect against continuing cybersecurity threats, the commission estimated that it would spend approximately $5.8 million during FY2013 to secure its information technology assets, a 9% increase compared with FY2012.... As directed by FISMA, the OIG conducted an independent evaluation of the commission's unclassified cybersecurity program to determine whether it adequately protected data and information systems. The report presents the results of the evaluation for FY2013. (13 pages)

DHS Is Generally Filling Mission-Critical Positions, but Could Better Track Costs of Coordinated Recruiting Efforts

GAO

September 17, 2013

Within DHS, one in five jobs at a key cybersecurity component is vacant, in large part due to steep competition in recruiting and hiring qualified personnel. National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) officials cited challenges in recruiting cyber professionals because of the length of time taken to conduct security checks to grant top-secret security clearances as well as low pay in comparison with the private sector. (47 pages)

Offensive Cyber Capabilities at the Operational Level: The Way Ahead

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)

September 16, 2013

The report examines whether DOD should make a more deliberate effort to explore the potential of offensive cyber tools at levels below that of a combatant command. (20 pages)

An Assessment of the Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace

U.S. Army War College

September 2013

This monograph is organized in three main parts. The first part explores the evolution of cyberspace strategy through a series of government publications leading up to the DoD Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace. The second part elaborates on and critiques each strategic initiative in terms of significance, novelty, and practicality. The third part critiques DOD's strategy as a whole. (60 pages)

Joint Professional Military Education Institutions in an Age of Cyber Threat

Francesca Spidalieri (Pell Center Fellow)

August 7, 2013

The report found that the Joint Professional Military Education at the six U.S. military graduate schools—a requirement for becoming a joint staff officer and for promotion to the senior ranks—has not effectively incorporated cybersecurity into specific courses, conferences, war-gaming exercises, or other forms of training for military officers. Although these graduate programs are more advanced on cybersecurity than most American civilian universities, a preparation gap still exists. (18 pages)

Telecommunications Networks: Addressing Potential Security Risks of Foreign-Manufactured Equipment

GAO

May 21, 2013

The federal government began efforts to address supply chain security for commercial networks. A variety of other approaches exist for addressing the potential risks posed by foreign-manufactured equipment in commercial communications networks, including those taken by foreign governments. Although these approaches are intended to improve supply chain security of communications networks, they may also create the potential for trade barriers, additional costs, and constraints on competition, which the federal government would have to take into account if it chooses to pursue such approaches. (52 pages)

Outcome-Based Measures Would Assist DHS in Assessing Effectiveness of Cybersecurity Efforts

GAO

April 11, 2013

Until DHS and its sector partners develop appropriate outcome-oriented metrics, it will be difficult to gauge the effectiveness of efforts to protect the nation's core and access communications networks and critical support components of the Internet from cyber incidents. Although no cyber incidents affecting the nation's core and access networks have been reported, communications networks operators can use FCC's and DHS's reporting mechanisms to share information on outages and incidents. (45 pages)

Information Sharing: Agencies Could Better Coordinate to Reduce Overlap in Field-Based Activities

GAO

April 4, 2013

Agencies have neither held entities accountable for coordinating nor assessed opportunities for further enhancing coordination to help reduce the potential for overlap and achieve efficiencies. The Department of Justice (DOJ), DHS, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP)—the federal agencies that oversee or provide support to the five types of field-based entities—acknowledged that it is important for entities to work together and share information, but these agencies do not hold the entities accountable for such coordination. (72 pages)

Cybersecurity: A Better Defined and Implemented National Strategy Is Needed to Address Persistent Challenges

GAO

March 7, 2013

"[A]lthough federal law assigns the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) responsibility for oversight of federal government information security, OMB recently transferred several of these responsibilities to Department of Homeland Security (DHS).... [I]t remains unclear how OMB and Department of Homeland Security are to share oversight of individual departments and agencies. Additional legislation could clarify these responsibilities." (36 pages)

Cybersecurity: National Strategy, Roles, and Responsibilities Need to Be Better Defined and More Effectively Implemented

GAO

February 14, 2013

GAO recommends that the White House cybersecurity coordinator develop an overarching federal cybersecurity strategy that includes all key elements of the desirable characteristics of a national strategy. Such a strategy would provide a more effective framework for implementing cybersecurity activities and better ensure that such activities will lead to progress in cybersecurity. (112 pages)

Information Security: Federal Communications Commission Needs to Strengthen Controls over Enhanced Secured Network Project

GAO

January 25, 2013

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) did not effectively implement appropriate information security controls in the initial components of the Enhanced Secured Network (ESN) project. Weaknesses identified in the commission's deployment of ESN's project components as of August 2012 resulted in unnecessary risk that sensitive information could be disclosed, modified, or obtained without authorization. GAO is made seven recommendations to the FCC to implement management controls to help ensure that ESN meets its objective of securing FCC's systems and information. (35 pages)

Follow-up Audit of the Department's Cyber Security Incident Management Program

DOE OIG

December 2012

In 2008, the DOE's Cyber Security Incident Management Program (DOE/IG-0787, January 2008) reported the Department and National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) had established and maintained a number of independent, at least partially duplicative, cybersecurity incident management capabilities. Several issues were identified that limited the efficiency and effectiveness of the department's cybersecurity program and adversely affected the ability of law enforcement to investigate incidents. In response to the findings, management concurred with the recommendations and indicated that it had initiated actions to address the issues. (25 pages)

Information Technology Reform: Progress Made but Future Cloud Computing Efforts Should be Better Planned

GAO

July 11, 2012

GAO recommended that the Secretaries of Agriculture, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, State, and the Treasury, and the Administrators of the General Services Administration (GSA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) should direct their respective chief information officers to establish estimated costs, performance goals, and plans to retire associated legacy systems for each cloud-based service discussed the report, as applicable. (43 pages)

Electronic Warfare: DOD Actions Needed to Strengthen Management and Oversight

GAO

July 9, 2012

DOD's oversight of electronic warfare capabilities may be further complicated by its evolving relationship with computer network operations, which is also an information operations-related capability. Without clearly defined roles and responsibilities and updated guidance regarding oversight responsibilities, DOD does not have reasonable assurance that its management structures will provide effective department-wide leadership for electronic warfare activities and capabilities development and ensure effective and efficient use of its resources. (46 pages)

Information Security: Cyber Threats Facilitate Ability to Commit Economic Espionage

GAO

June 28, 2012

The statement discusses (1) cyber threats facing the nation's systems, (2) reported cyber incidents and their impacts, (3) security controls and other techniques available for reducing risk, and (4) the responsibilities of key federal entities in support of protecting Internet protocol. (20 pages)

Cyber Sentries: Preparing Defenders to Win in a Contested Domain

Army War College

February 7, 2012

The paper examines the current impediments to effective cybersecurity workforce preparation and offers new concepts to create Cyber Sentries through realistic training, network authorities tied to certification, and ethical training. These actions present an opportunity to significantly enhance workforce quality and allow DOD to operate effectively in the contested cyber domain in accordance with the vision established in its Strategy for Cyberspace Operations. (38 pages)

The Department's Management of the Smart Grid Investment Grant Program

DOE OIG

January 20, 2012

According to the DOE' inspector general, the department's rush to award stimulus grants for projects under the next generation of the power grid, known as the Smart Grid, resulted in some firms receiving funds without submitting complete plans for how to safeguard the grid from cyberattacks. (21 pages)

Cybersecurity Human Capital: Initiatives Need Better Planning and Coordination

GAO

November 29, 2011

To ensure that government-wide cybersecurity workforce initiatives are better coordinated and planned, and to better assist federal agencies in defining roles, responsibilities, skills, and competencies for their workforce, the DOC Secretary, OMB Director, OPM, and DHS Secretary should collaborate through the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) initiative to develop and finalize detailed plans allowing agency accountability, measurement of progress, and determination of resources to accomplish agreed-upon activities. (86 pages)

Federal Chief Information Officers: Opportunities Exist to Improve Role in Information Technology Management

GAO

October 17, 2011

GAO recommended that the OMB update its guidance to establish measures of accountability for ensuring that chief information officers' responsibilities are fully implemented and to require agencies to establish internal processes for documenting lessons learned. (72 pages)

Information Security: Additional Guidance Needed to Address Cloud Computing Concerns

GAO

October 6, 2011

Twenty-two of 24 major federal agencies reported that they were either concerned or very concerned about the potential information security risks associated with cloud computing. GAO recommended that the NIST issue guidance specific to cloud computing security. (17 pages)

Information Security: Weaknesses Continue Amid New Federal Efforts to Implement Requirements

GAO

October 3, 2011

Weaknesses in information security policies and practices at 24 major federal agencies continue to place the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information and information systems at risk. Consistent with this risk, reports of security incidents from federal agencies are on the rise, increasing by more than 650% over the past five years. Each of the 24 agencies reviewed had weaknesses in information security controls. (49 pages)

Defense Department Cyber Efforts: Definitions, Focal Point, and Methodology Needed for DOD to Develop Full-Spectrum Cyberspace Budget Estimates

GAO

July 29, 2011

The letter discusses DOD's cyber and information assurance budget for FY2012 and future years' defense spending. The objectives of the review were to (1) assess the extent to which DOD prepared an overarching budget estimate for full-spectrum cyberspace operations across the department and (2) identify the challenges DOD faced in providing such estimates. (33 pages)

Defense Department Cyber Efforts: DOD Faces Challenges in Its Cyber Activities

GAO

July 25, 2011

GAO recommended that DOD evaluate how it is organized to address cybersecurity threats; assess the extent to which it developed joint doctrine that addresses cyberspace operations; examine how it assigns command and control responsibilities; and determine how it identifies and acts to mitigate key capability gaps involving cyberspace operations. (79 pages)

Information Security: [Department of] State Has Taken Steps to Implement a Continuous Monitoring Application, but Key Challenges Remain

GAO

July 8, 2011

The Department of State implemented a custom application called iPost and a risk-scoring program that aimed to provide continuous monitoring capabilities of information security risk to elements of the department's IT infrastructure. To improve implementation of iPost at State, the Secretary of State directed the chief information officer to develop, document, and maintain an iPost configuration management and test process. (63 pages)

USCYBERCOM [U.S. Cyber Command] and Cyber Security: Is a Comprehensive Strategy Possible?

Army War College

May 12, 2011

Examines five aspects of USCYBERCOM: (1) organization, (2) command and control, (3) computer network operations, (4) synchronization, and (5) resourcing. Identifies areas that currently present significant risk to USCYBERCOM's ability to create a strategy that can achieve success in its cyberspace operations and recommends potential solutions that can increase the effectiveness of the USCYBERCOM strategy. (32 pages)

Cybersecurity: Continued Attention Is Needed to Protect Federal Information Systems from Evolving Threats

GAO

March 16, 2011

The White House, OMB, and certain federal agencies have undertaken several government-wide initiatives intended to enhance information security at federal agencies. Although progress has been made on these initiatives, they all face challenges that require sustained attention, and GAO has made several recommendations for improving the implementation and effectiveness of these initiatives. (15 pages)

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission's Monitoring of Power Grid Cyber Security

DOE OIG

January 26, 2011

The Nuclear Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC) developed Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) cybersecurity reliability standards, which were approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in January 2008. Although the commission had taken steps to ensure CIP cybersecurity standards were developed and approved, NERC's testing revealed that such standards did not always include controls commonly recommended for protecting critical information systems. In addition, the CIP standards implementation approach and schedule approved by the commission were not adequate to ensure that systems-related risks to the nation's power grid were mitigated or addressed in a timely manner. (30 pages)

Information Security: Federal Agencies Have Taken Steps to Secure Wireless Networks, but Further Actions Can Mitigate Risk

GAO

November 30, 2010

Existing government-wide guidelines and oversight efforts do not fully address agency implementation of leading wireless security practices. Until agencies take steps to better implement these leading practices and OMB takes steps to improve government-wide oversight, wireless networks will remain at an increased vulnerability to attacks. (50 pages)

DHS Efforts to Assess and Promote Resiliency Are Evolving but Program Management Could Be Strengthened

GAO

September 23, 2010

DHS has not developed an effective way to ensure that critical national infrastructure, such as electrical grids and telecommunications networks, can bounce back from a disaster. DHS has conducted surveys and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure to identify gaps, but has not developed a way to measure whether owners and operators of that infrastructure adopt measures to reduce risks. (46 pages)

Information Security: Progress Made on Harmonizing Policies and Guidance for National Security and Non-National Security Systems

GAO

September 15, 2010

OMB and NIST established policies and guidance for civilian non-national security systems, and other organizations, including the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), DOD, and the U.S. intelligence community, and have developed policies and guidance for national security systems. GAO assessed the progress of federal efforts to harmonize policies and guidance for these two types of systems. (38 pages)

Continued Attention Is Needed to Protect Federal Information Systems from Evolving Threats

GAO

June 16, 2010

GAO and agency IGs have made hundreds of recommendations over the past several years, many of which agencies are implementing. In addition, the White House, OMB, and certain federal agencies have undertaken several government-wide initiatives intended to enhance information security at federal agencies. Progress has been made on these initiatives, but they all face challenges that require sustained attention. GAO made several recommendations for improving the implementation and effectiveness of these existing initiatives. (15 pages)

NSTB Assessments Summary Report: Common Industrial Control System Cyber Security Weaknesses

DOE, Idaho National Laboratory

May 2010

The National SCADA Test Bed (NSTB) program reported that computer networks controlling the electric grid are plagued with security holes that could allow intruders to redirect power delivery and steal data. Many of the security vulnerabilities are strikingly basic and fixable problems. (123 pages)

Information Security: Concerted Response Needed to Resolve Persistent Weaknesses

GAO

March 24, 2010

Without proper safeguards, federal computer systems are vulnerable to malicious intruders seeking to obtain sensitive information. The need for a vigilant approach to information security is demonstrated by the pervasive and sustained cyberattacks against the United States; these attacks continue to pose a potentially devastating impact to systems and the operations and critical infrastructures they support. (21 pages)

Cybersecurity: Progress Made But Challenges Remain in Defining and Coordinating the Comprehensive National Initiative

GAO

March 5, 2010

To address strategic challenges in areas that are not the subject of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative's existing projects but remain key to achieving the initiative's overall goal of securing federal information systems, GAO recommended that OMB's director continue developing a strategic approach to identity management and authentication and link it to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12. The directive was initially described in the Chief Information Officers Council's (CIOC's) plan to implement federal identity, credential, and access management to provide greater assurance that only authorized individuals and entities can gain access to federal information systems. (64 pages)

Continued Efforts Are Needed to Protect Information Systems from Evolving Threats

GAO

November 17, 2009

GAO identified weaknesses in all major categories of information security controls at federal agencies. For example, in FY2008, weaknesses were reported in such controls at 23 of 24 major agencies. Specifically, agencies did not consistently authenticate users to prevent unauthorized access to systems; apply encryption to protect sensitive data; or log, audit, and monitor security-relevant events, among other actions. (24 pages)

Efforts to Improve Information Sharing Need to Be Strengthened

GAO

August 27, 2003

Information on threats, methods, and techniques of terrorists is not routinely shared, and the information that is shared is not perceived as timely, accurate, or relevant. (59 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Table 4. Federal Workforce

(includes evaluations, grants, job programs, surveys, and statistics on federal cybersecurity personnel)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

Information Assurance Scholarship Program

DOD

Continuously Updated

The Information Assurance Scholarship Program is designed to increase the number of qualified personnel entering the information assurance and technology fields within DOD. The scholarships also are an attempt to effectively retain military and civilian cybersecurity and IT personnel.

PERSEREC (Personnel and Security Research Center)

DOD

Continuously Updated

The Pentagon is expected to create a database for investigating the trustworthiness of personnel who could have access to federal facilities and computer systems. The Defense Information System for Security, or DISS, will consolidate two existing tools used for vetting employees and job applicants.

CyberSeek Tool

NIST

Continuously Updated

CyberSeek is an interactive online tool designed to make it easier for cybersecurity job seekers to find openings and for employers to identify the skilled workers they need.

CyberCareers.gov

OPM

Continuously Updated

The website is aimed at reaching federal managers, current employees, job seekers, and academic organizations and students. The site is designed as a one-stop shop to better educate those audiences about new federal cyber opportunities and provide resources to help them develop their careers in the field.

U.S. Digital Services

White House

Continuously Updated

The U.S. Digital Services (USDS) is a group of about 100 technologists on two- to four-year fellowships that do some cybersecurity work. Cybersecurity is only a small portion of USDS' work, however, and the group is not yet spread throughout all agencies.

Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure: Workforce Development

NIST

July 12, 2017

NIST is seeking information on the scope and sufficiency of efforts to educate and train the nation's cybersecurity workforce and recommendations for ways to support and improve that workforce in both the public and private sectors. (3 pages)

Federal Efforts Are Under Way That May Address Workforce Challenges

GAO

April 4, 2017

This statement discusses challenges agencies face in ensuring an effective cybersecurity workforce, recent initiatives aimed at improving the federal cyber workforce, and ongoing activities that could assist in recruiting and retaining cybersecurity professionals. In preparing this statement. (21 pages)

Compensation Flexibilities to Recruit and Retain Cybersecurity Professionals

OPM

November 29, 2016

The guidance outlines the special rates under the General Schedule that can be paid to IT management and computer professionals, but also outlines other incentive tools. For example, agency leaders can offer up to 25% of annual pay bonus for retaining an employee and 10% for a group of employees. There are also relocation incentives and student loan repayment up to $60,000. (25 pages)

NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework (NCWF)

NISZT

November 2016

This publication serves as a fundamental reference to support a workforce capable of meeting an organization's cybersecurity needs. It describes how the NCWF provides organizations with a common, consistent lexicon to categorize and describe cybersecurity work. The common lexicon provided by the NCWF enables consistent organization and communication about cybersecurity work. (130 pages)

Strengthening the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce

White House

July 12, 2016

The Strategy establishes four key initiatives: (1) Expand the Cybersecurity Workforce through Education and Training (2) Recruit the Nation's Best Cyber Talent for Federal Service (3) Retain and Develop Highly Skilled Talent (4) Identify Cybersecurity Workforce Needs.

NIST 'RAMPS' Up Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development With New Grants

NIST

May 12, 2016

NIST is offering up to $1 million in grants to establish up to eight Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education and workforce development. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education, located in the United States or its territories. Applicants must also demonstrate through letters of interest that at least one of each of the following types of organizations is interested in being part of the proposed regional alliance: K-12 school or Local Education Agency (LEA), institution of higher education or college/university system, and a local employer.

Closing Skills Gaps: Strategy, Reporting and Monitoring

OPM

April 15, 2016

OPM "revalidated" the need to close skills gaps in certain "high-risk mission critical occupations," including cybersecurity, acquisition, and STEM. Agency experts and chief human capital officers will work together to develop a governmentwide strategy "to address the root causes for why an occupation has been deemed 'at risk.'" OPM tasked chief human capital officers with identifying specific skills gaps in their agencies. The memo calls on agencies to develop 4-year and 10-year plans for closing gaps in those areas.

The Way Forward for Federal Background Investigations

FBI

January 22, 2016

The Obama Administration is creating a new organization within the OPM to handle background investigations, in its latest response to last year's revelations that hackers had pilfered highly sensitive documents on 22 million Americans. The new organization, the National Background Investigations Bureau, will be headed by a presidential appointee, and will have a "considerable amount of operational autonomy." The technology systems will be "designed, built, secured, and operated" by the Defense Department.

Guidance on recruitment, relocation and retention (3R) incentives

OPM

January 15, 2016

OPM has enhanced the ability of federal human resources managers to use recruitment, relocation, and retention (3R) incentives to attract or hang onto cybersecurity workers. The more flexible grants for exceptions to the 3R spending limit "may assist agencies in recruiting and retaining the most highly qualified cybersecurity employees to meet the government's important challenges of strengthening federal networks, systems and data."

NIST to Support Cybersecurity Jobs "Heat Map" to Highlight Employer Needs and Worker Skills

NIST

October 27, 2015

NIST will fund a project developing a visualization tool to show the demand for and availability of cybersecurity jobs across the United States. CompTIA, a non-profit information technology trade association, in partnership with job market research and analytics company Burning Glass Technologies, received a three-year grant to create a "heat map" visualizing the need for and the supply of cybersecurity professionals across the country.

Workforce Shortfall Due to Hiring Difficulties Despite Rising Salaries, Increased Budgets and High Job Satisfaction

(ISC)²

April 17, 2015

In 2014, the average annual salary of a federal cybersecurity worker was $110,500, with federal contractors taking home $114,000. U.S. private-sector cyber professionals are expected to bring in $118,000 in 2015. Analysts from Frost & Sullivan forecast a shortfall of 1.5 million cyber professionals by 2020. This number is compounded by 45% of hiring managers reporting that they are struggling to support additional hiring needs and 62% of respondents reporting that their organizations have too few information security professionals. (46 pages)

Tech Hire

White House

March 9, 2015

The White House has unveiled a multi-sector effort to empower Americans with technology skills. Many jobs do not require a four-year computer science degree. To kick off TechHire, 21 regions, with more than 120,000 open technology jobs and more than 300 employer partners in need of this workforce, are announcing plans to work together to find new ways to recruit and place applicants based on their actual skills and to create more fast-track tech training opportunities.

U.S. Dept. of Energy to Offer $25M Grant for Cybersecurity

Department of Energy (DOE)

January 15, 2015

DOE announced a $25 million cybersecurity education grant over five years to establish a Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline Consortium within the DOE with funding from its Minority Serving Institutions Partnerships Program under its National Nuclear Security Administration. The participants are historically black colleges and universities, national labs, and K-12 school districts.

DHS Is Generally Filling Mission-Critical Positions, but Could Better Track Costs of Coordinated Recruiting Efforts

GAO

September 17, 2013

Within DHS, one in five jobs at a key cybersecurity component is vacant, in large part due to steep competition in recruiting and hiring qualified personnel. National Protection and Programs Directorate officials cited challenges in recruiting cyber professionals because of the length of time taken to conduct security checks to grant top-secret security clearances and low pay in comparison with the private sector. (47 pages)

Professionalizing the Nation's Cybersecurity Workforce?: Criteria for Decision-Making

National Academies Press

September 16, 2013

The report "examines workforce requirements for cybersecurity; the segments and job functions in which professionalization is most needed; the role of assessment tools, certification, licensing, and other means for assessing and enhancing professionalization; and emerging approaches, such as performance-based measures. It also examines requirements for the federal (military and civilian) workforce, the private sector, and state and local government." (66 pages)

Joint Professional Military Education Institutions in an Age of Cyber Threat

Francesca Spidalieri (Pell Center Fellow)

August 7, 2013

The report found that the Joint Professional Military Education at the six U.S. military graduate schools—a requirement for becoming a joint staff officer and for promotion to the senior ranks—has not effectively incorporated cybersecurity into specific courses, conferences, war-gaming exercises, or other forms of training for military officers. Although these graduate programs are more advanced on cybersecurity than most American civilian universities, a preparation gap still exists. (18 pages)

Special Cybersecurity Workforce Project (Memo for Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies)

OPM

July 8, 2013

OPM is collaborating with the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Chief Human Capital Officers Council, and the Chief Information Officers Council in implementing a special workforce project that tasks federal agencies' cybersecurity, information technology, and human resources communities to build a statistical data set of existing and future cybersecurity positions in the OPM Enterprise Human Resources Integration data warehouse.

Global Information Security Workforce Study

(ISC)² Foundation and Frost and Sullivan

May 7, 2013

Federal cyber workers earn an average salary of $106,430, less than the average private-sector salary of $111,376. The lag in federal salaries is likely due to federal budget restraints. (28 pages)

2012 Information Technology Workforce Assessment for Cybersecurity

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

March 14, 2013

The report, which is based on an anonymous survey of nearly 23,000 cyber workers across 52 departments and agencies, found that while the majority (49%) of cyber federal workers has more than 10 years of service until they reach retirement eligibility, nearly 33% will be eligible to retire in the next three years. (131 pages)

CyberSkills Task Force Report

DHS

October 2012

DHS's task force on CyberSkills proposes far-reaching improvements to enable the department to recruit and retain the cybersecurity talent it needs. (41 pages)

Smart Grid Cybersecurity: Job Performance Model Report

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

August 2012

The report outlines the work done to develop a Smart-Grid cybersecurity certification. The primary purpose develops a measurement model used to guide curriculum, assessments, and other development of technical and operational Smart-Grid cybersecurity knowledge, skills, and abilities. (178 pages)

Cybersecurity Human Capital: Initiatives Need Better Planning and Coordination

GAO

November 29, 2011

To ensure that government-wide cybersecurity workforce initiatives are better coordinated and planned, and to better assist federal agencies in defining roles, responsibilities, skills, and competencies for their workforce, the Secretaries of Commerce and Homeland Security and the Directors of OMB and OPM collaborated through the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) initiative to develop and finalize detailed plans allowing agency accountability, measurement of progress, and determination of resources to accomplish agreed-upon activities. (86 pages)

Cyber Operations Personnel Report

DOD

April 2011

The report focuses on FY2009 DOD Cyber Operations personnel, with duties and responsibilities as defined in Section 934 of the FY2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Its appendices include the following:

Appendix A—Cyber Operations-Related Military Occupations

Appendix B—Commercial Certifications Supporting the DOD Information Assurance Workforce Improvement Program

Appendix C—Military Services Training and Development

Appendix D—Geographic Location of National Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance (84 pages)

The Power of People: Building an Integrated National Security Professional System for the 21st Century

Project on National Security Reform

November 2010

The study was conducted in fulfillment of Section 1054 of the FY2010 NDAA, which required the commissioning of a study by "an appropriate independent, nonprofit organization, of a system for career development and management of interagency national security professionals." (326 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Notes: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Table 5. White House and Office of Management and Budget

(reports by or about cybersecurity policies in the White House, OMB, or executive branch agencies)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

Improving Cybersecurity

OMB

Continuously Updated

OMB is working with agencies, inspectors general, chief information officers, and senior agency officials in charge of privacy, as well as the Government Accountability Office (GAO) and Congress, to strengthen the federal government's IT security and privacy programs. The site provides information on Cross-Agency Priority (CAP) goals, proposed cybersecurity legislation, CyberStat, continuous monitoring and remediation, using SmartCards for identity management, and standardizing security through configuration settings.

Statement by President Donald J. Trump on the Elevation of Cyber Command

White House

July 18, 2017

President Trump elevated U.S. Cyber Command to a full combatant command. The elevation will help streamline command and control of time-sensitive cyberspace operations by consolidating them under a single commander with authorities commensurate with the importance of such operations. Elevation will also ensure that critical cyberspace operations are adequately funded.

Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014: Annual Report to Congress (FY 2016)

OMB

March 10, 2017

Federal agencies reported 30,899 "cyber incidents" in fiscal 2016 that led to the "compromise of information or system functionality" to the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team. (121 pages)

President-Elect Trump Announces Former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani to Lend Expertise to Cyber Security Efforts

White House

January 12, 2017

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani "will be sharing his expertise and insight as a trusted friend" on private-sector cyber security problems.

Report on Securing and Growing the Digital Economy

Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity

December 2016

President Obama "directed the Commission to assess the state of our nation's cybersecurity, and he charged this group with developing actionable recommendations for securing the digital economy. From these discussions, some firm conclusions emerged. Partnerships-between countries, between the national government and the states, between governments at all levels and the private sector-are a powerful tool for encouraging the technology, policies, and practices we need to secure and grow the digital economy. The Commission asserts that the joint collaboration between the public and private sectors before, during, and after a cyber event must be strengthened." (100 pages)

FACT SHEET: Announcing Over $80 million in New Federal Investment and a Doubling of Participating Communities in the White House Smart Cities Initiative

White House

September 26, 2016

In September 2015, the White House launched the Smart Cities Initiative to make it easier for cities, federal agencies, universities, and the private sector to work together to research, develop, deploy, and testbed new technologies that can help make our cities more inhabitable, cleaner, and more equitable. This year, to kick off Smart Cities Week, the Administration is expanding this initiative, with more than $80 million in new federal investments and a doubling of the number of participating cities and communities, exceeding 70 in total.

Announcing the First Federal Chief Information Security Officer

White House

September 8, 2016

The Administration announced Brigadier General (retired) Gregory J. Touhill as the first Federal Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). A key feature of the Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP) is the creation of the first CISO to drive cybersecurity policy, planning, and implementation across the federal government.

Revision of OMB Circular No. A-130, "Managing Information as a Strategic Resource"

OMB

July 28, 2016

OMB has revised Circular A-130, "Managing Information as a Strategic Resource," to reflect changes in law and advances in technology. The revisions also ensure consistency with executive orders, presidential directives, recent OMB policy, and National Institute of Standards and Technology standards and guidelines. The Circular establishes general policy for information governance, acquisitions, records management, open data, workforce, security, and privacy. It also emphasizes the role of both privacy and security in the Federal information life cycle. (30 pages)

Letter Sent to 27 Executive Branch Offices Regarding Information Security Obligations Under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)

House Oversight and Government Reform Committee

July 26, 2016

The letter notes all agencies are required by law to submit annual reports to the committee and Office of Management and Budget—which is a part of EOP—and that the term "agency" was intentionally defined broadly in the legislation, which specifically mentions EOP as an example. Requests a copy of EOP's FISMA report or, if it doesn't exist, an explanation of why the office is exempt. (17 pages)

Category Management Policy 16-2: Providing Comprehensive Identity Protection Services, Identity Monitoring, and Data Breach Response

OMB

July 1, 2016

OMB issued a memorandum to all department heads outlining how agencies should go about contracting for identity protection services. Going forward, all agencies offering identity protection services to citizens or employees must contract through the General Services Administration's Identity Monitoring Data Breach Response and Protection Services (IPS) blanket purchase agreement (BPA). (3 pages)

President Obama Appoints Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity

White House

April 13, 2016

President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint individuals to the Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity.

Annual Report to Congress: Federal Information Security Modernization Act

OMB

March 18, 2016

In 2015, government agencies reported 77,183 cybersecurity incidents, a 10% increase from 69,851 incidents in 2014. These incidents were reported by government agencies to the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT). Sixteen percent of these were caused by "non-cyber" reasons, such as employees losing data storage devices that contained personally identifiable information. [See p. 39 for agency scores]. (95 pages)

Cybersecurity National Action Plan

White House

February 9, 2016

The White House proposed a Cybersecurity National Action Plan, which provides a 35% increase in federal funds for the next budget year to boost the nation's ability to safeguard its computer networks, both private and public, from attacks while preserving privacy.

Cybersecurity Strategy and Implementation Plan (CSIP) for the Federal Civilian Government

OMB

October 30, 2015

The document includes an update on the comprehensive review of the federal government's cyber policies, which took place during a 30-day "Cybersecurity Sprint" directed by the federal chief information officer in June 2015. The plan identifies a number of action items that the federal government will take in the coming year to improve the cybersecurity of the federal government networks. (21 pages)

Fiscal Year 2015-2016 Guidance on Federal Information Security and Privacy Management Requirements

OMB

October 30, 2015

The White House is updating annual cybersecurity guidelines that provide a definition for a "major" cyber incident. The new definition is mandated by a 2014 update to the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA). Agencies can consult with the Department of Homeland Security about whether an incident meets the major threshold, but ultimately it's up to the victim agency to make the final call. (11 pages)

Appendix III to OMB Circular No. A-130: Responsibilities for Protecting Federal Information Resources

OMB

October 21, 2015

The policy lays out guidance for managing IT investments, improving information security practices, and streamlining the process for acquiring new technology.

Strengthening & Enhancing Federal Cybersecurity for the 21st Century

OMB

August 3, 2015

In July 2015, OMB launched a 30-day Cybersecurity Sprint to assess and improve the health of all federal assets and networks, both civilian and military. As part of the Sprint, OMB directed agencies to further protect federal information, improve the resilience of their networks, and report on their successes and challenges. Agencies were instructed to immediately patch critical vulnerabilities, review and tightly limit the number of privileged users with access to authorized systems, and dramatically accelerate the use of strong authentication, especially for privileged users.

Request for Comments on Improving Cybersecurity Protections in Federal Acquisitions

OMB

July 30, 2015

OMB's Office of E-Government & Information Technology (E-Gov) is seeking public comment on draft guidance to improve cybersecurity protections in federal acquisitions. Threats to federal information systems have increased as agencies provide more services online and the demand to secure information on these systems increase. (1 page)

FACT SHEET: Administration Cybersecurity Efforts 2015

OMB

July 9, 2015

The 30-day Cybersecurity Sprint, by the Obama Administration in the wake of the OPM breach, has resulted in a jump in the use of multi-factor ID authentication and tens of thousands of scans of federal networks for vulnerabilities. The White House released a fact sheet detailing what the Administration has done to improve cybersecurity. (9 pages)

FACT SHEET: Enhancing and Strengthening the Federal Government's Cybersecurity

OMB

June 12, 2015

To further improve federal cybersecurity and protect systems against these evolving threats, the U.S. chief information officer (CIO) launched a 30-day Cybersecurity Sprint. The CIO instructed federal agencies to immediately take numerous steps to further protect federal information and assets and improve the resilience of federal networks. Agencies were instructed to immediately test networks for DHS-provided indicators, patch vulnerabilities flagged in weekly DHS scan reports, restrict the number of privileged user accounts and what they can do, and dramatically ramp up the use of multi-factor authentication, especially for sensitive users. On the latter three requirements, agencies were to report back to OMB and DHS on their progress within a month.

Management and Oversight of Information Technology Resources

OMB

June 10, 2015

The guidance takes major steps toward ensuring agency CIOs have significant involvement in procurement, workforce, and technology-related budget matters while continuing a partnership with other senior leaders. It also takes major steps toward positioning CIOs so that they can reasonably be held accountable for how effectively their agencies use modern digital approaches to achieve the objectives of effective and efficient programs and operations. (34 pages)

Policy to Require Secure Connections across Federal Websites and Web Services

OMB

June 8, 2015

In a memo to agency executives, federal CIO Tony Scott detailed four requirements for agencies to meet, starting with using a risk-based approach for determining which websites or web services to move to HTTPS first. Sites dealing with personally identifiable information (PII), where the content is sensitive, or where the site receives a high level of traffic should be migrated to HTTPS as soon as possible. Agencies have until Dec. 31, 2016, to move all public facing online services to the security standard. (5 pages)

White House Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection

White House

February 13, 2015

The Summit brought together leaders from across the country who have a stake in this issue—industry, tech companies, law enforcement, consumer and privacy advocates, law professors who specialize in this field, and students—to collaborate and explore partnerships that will help develop the best ways to bolster U.S. cybersecurity. Topics included Public-Private Collaboration on Cybersecurity; Improving Cybersecurity Practices at Consumer-Oriented Businesses and Organizations; Promoting More Secure Payment Technologies; Cybersecurity Information Sharing; International Law Enforcement Cooperation on Cybersecurity; Improving Authentication: Moving Beyond the Password; and Chief Security Officers' Perspectives: New Ideas on Technical Security.

Strengthening our Nation's Cyber Defenses (Announcing Plans for a New Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center)

White House

February 11, 2015

The White House will establish a new Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center, or CTIIC, under the auspices of the Director of National Intelligence. Currently, no single government entity is responsible for producing coordinated cyber threat assessments, and ensuring that information is shared rapidly among existing cyber centers and other elements within the government, and supporting the work of operators and policymakers with timely intelligence about the latest cyber threats and threat actors. The CTIIC is intended to fill these gaps.

National Security Strategy

White House

February 6, 2015

The document states the United States will "defend ourselves, consistent with U.S. and international law, against cyberattacks and impose costs on malicious cyber actors, including through prosecution of illegal cyber activity." The strategy praises the NIST framework for cybersecurity and promises to work with Congress to "pursue a legislative framework that ensures high [cyber] standards" for critical infrastructure. The government will also work to develop "global standards for cybersecurity and building international capacity to disrupt and investigate cyber threats." The document also promises to help other nations improve the cybersecurity of their critical infrastructure and develop laws that punish hackers. (32 pages)

Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Guidance on Improving Federal Information Security and Privacy Management Practices

OMB

October 3, 2014

OMB is making updates to streamline agency reporting of information security incidents to DHS's U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) and to improve US-CERT's ability to respond effectively to information security incidents. Under the updates, losses of PII caused by non-electronic means must be reported within one hour of a confirmed breach to the agency privacy office rather than to US-CERT. (17 pages)

Assessing Cybersecurity Regulations

White House

May 22, 2014

The White House directed federal agencies to examine their regulatory authority over private-sector cybersecurity in the February 2013 executive order that also created the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) cybersecurity framework. A review of agency reports concluded that "existing regulatory requirements, when complemented with strong voluntary partnerships, are capable of mitigating cyber risks." No new federal regulations are needed for improving the cybersecurity of privately held American critical infrastructure.

Federal Information Security Management Act, Annual Report to Congress

OMB

May 1, 2014

The 24 largest federal departments and agencies spent $10.34 billion on cybersecurity in fiscal year 2014. The Chief Financial Officers Act agency with the greatest expenditure was the DOD at $7.11 billion, followed by DHS at $1.11 billion. Federal agencies' collective request for cybersecurity spending during FY2015 amounts to about $13 billion, federal CIO Steven VanRoekel told reporters during the March rollout of the White House spending proposal for the coming fiscal year—making cybersecurity a rare area of federal information technology spending growth. (80 pages)

Big Data: Seizing Opportunities, Preserving Values

White House

May 2014

The findings outline a set of consumer protection recommendations, including that Congress should pass legislation on "single national data breach standard." (85 pages)

State and Local Government Cybersecurity

White House

April 2, 2014

The White House in March 2014 convened an array of stakeholders, including government representatives, local-government-focused associations, private-sector technology companies, and partners from multiple federal agencies at the State and Local Government Cybersecurity Framework Kickoff Event.

Liberty and Security in a Changing World: Report and Recommendations of The President's Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies

The President's Review Group on Intelligence and Communications Technologies

December 12, 2013

From the report, "The national security threats facing the United States and our allies are numerous and significant, and they will remain so well into the future. These threats include international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and cyber espionage and warfare.... After careful consideration, we recommend a number of changes to our intelligence collection activities that will protect [privacy and civil liberties] values without undermining what we need to do to keep our nation safe." (308 pages)

Immediate Opportunities for Strengthening the Nation's Cybersecurity

President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST)

November 2013

The report recommends the government phase out insecure, outdated operating systems, such as Windows XP; implement better encryption technology; and encourage automatic security updates, among other changes. PCAST also recommends that the government help create cybersecurity best practices and audit their adoption in regulated industries. For independent agencies, PCAST proposes writing new rules that require businesses to report their cyber improvements. (31 pages)

Cross Agency Priority Goal: Cybersecurity, FY2013 Q3 Status Report

Performance.gov

October 2013

Executive branch departments and agencies achieved 95% implementation of the Administration's priority cybersecurity capabilities by the end of FY2014. These capabilities include strong authentication, Trusted Internet Connections (TIC), and continuous monitoring. (24 pages)

Incentives to Support Adoption of the Cybersecurity Framework

White House

August 6, 2013

From the report, "To promote cybersecurity practices and develop these core capabilities, we are working with critical infrastructure owners and operators to create a Cybersecurity Framework – a set of core practices to develop capabilities to manage cybersecurity risk.... Over the next few months, agencies will examine these options in detail to determine which ones to adopt and how, based substantially on input from critical infrastructure stakeholders."

FY2012 Report to Congress on the Implementation of the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002

OMB

March 2013

More government programs violated data security law standards in 2012 than in the previous year. At the same time, computer security costs have increased by more than $1 billion. Inadequate training was a large part of the reason all-around scores for adherence to the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA) slipped from 75% in 2011 to 74% in 2012. Agencies reported that about 88% of personnel with system access privileges received annual security awareness instruction, down from 99% in 2011. Meanwhile, personnel expenses accounted for the vast majority—90%—of the $14.6 billion departments spent on information technology security in 2012. (68 pages)

Administration Strategy for Mitigating the Theft of U.S. Trade Secrets

Executive Office of the President

February 20, 2013

From the report, "First, we will increase our diplomatic engagement.... Second, we will support industry-led efforts to develop best practices to protect trade secrets and encourage companies to share with each other best practices that can mitigate the risk of trade secret theft.... Third, DOJ will continue to make the investigation and prosecution of trade secret theft by foreign competitors and foreign governments a top priority.... Fourth, President Obama recently signed two pieces of legislation that will improve enforcement against trade secret theft.... Lastly, we will increase public awareness of the threats and risks to the U.S. economy posed by trade secret theft." (141 pages)

National Strategy for Information Sharing and Safeguarding

White House

December 2012

Provides guidance for effective development, integration, and implementation of policies, processes, standards, and technologies to promote secure and responsible information sharing. (24 pages)

Collaborative and Cross-Cutting Approaches to Cybersecurity

White House

August 1, 2012

Michael Daniel, White House cybersecurity coordinator, highlights initiatives in which voluntary, cooperative actions helped to improve the nation's overall cybersecurity.

Trustworthy Cyberspace: Strategic Plan for the Federal Cybersecurity Research and Development Program

Executive Office of the President

December 2011

As a research and development strategy, this plan defines four strategic thrusts: (1) inducing change, (2) developing scientific foundations, (3) maximizing research impact, and (4) accelerating transition to practice. (36 pages)

FY2012 Reporting Instructions for the Federal Information Security Management Act and Agency Privacy Management

OMB

September 14, 2011

Rather than enforcing a static, three-year reauthorization process, agencies conduct ongoing authorizations of information systems by implementing continuous monitoring programs. These programs thus fulfill the three-year security reauthorization requirement, so a separate reauthorization process is not necessary. (29 pages)

Cybersecurity Legislative Proposal (Fact Sheet)

White House

May 12, 2011

The Administration's proposal ensures the protection of individuals' privacy and civil liberties through a framework designed expressly to address the challenges of cybersecurity. The Administration's legislative proposal includes management, personnel, intrusion-prevention systems, and data centers.

International Strategy for Cyberspace

White House

May 2011

The strategy marks the first time any Administration has attempted to set forth in one document the U.S. government's vision for cyberspace, including goals for defense, diplomacy, and international development. (30 pages)

National Strategy for Trusted Identities
in Cyberspace (NSTIC)

White House

April 15, 2011

The NSTIC aims to make online transactions more trustworthy, thereby giving businesses and consumers more confidence in conducting business online. (52 pages)

Federal Cloud Computing Strategy

White House

February 13, 2011

The strategy outlines how the federal government can accelerate the safe, secure adoption of cloud computing, and provides agencies with a framework for migrating to the cloud. It also examines how agencies can address challenges related to the adoption of cloud computing, such as privacy, procurement, standards, and governance. (43 pages)

25 Point Implementation Plan to Reform Federal Information Technology Management

White House

December 9, 2010

The plan aims to reduce the number of federally run data centers from 2,100 to approximately 1,300, rectify or cancel one-third of troubled IT projects, and require federal agencies to adopt a "cloud first" strategy in which they will move at least one system to a hosted environment within a year. (40 pages)

Cyberspace Policy: Executive Branch Is Making Progress Implementing 2009 Policy Review Recommendations, but Sustained Leadership Is Needed

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

October 6, 2010

Of the 24 recommendations in the President's May 2009 cyber policy review report, 2 were fully implemented and 22 were partially implemented. Although these efforts appeared to be steps forward, agencies were largely not able to provide milestones and plans that showed when and how implementation of the recommendations was to occur. (66 pages)

Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative (CNCI)

White House

March 2, 2010

The CNCI establishes a multipronged approach the federal government is to take in identifying current and emerging cyber threats, shoring up current and future telecommunications and cyber vulnerabilities, and responding to or proactively addressing entities that wish to steal or manipulate protected data on secure federal systems. (5 pages)

Cyberspace Policy Review: Assuring a Trusted and Resilient Communications Infrastructure

White House

May 29, 2009

The President directed a 60-day, comprehensive, "clean-slate" review to assess U.S. policies and structures for cybersecurity. The review team of government cybersecurity experts engaged and received input from a broad cross-section of industry, academia, the civil liberties and privacy communities, state governments, international partners, and the legislative and executive branches. The paper summarizes the review team's conclusions and outlines the beginning of the way forward toward a reliable, resilient, trustworthy digital infrastructure for the future. (76 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the White House reports.

Notes: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages. For a list of White House executive orders, see CRS Report R43317, Cybersecurity: Legislation, Hearings, and Executive Branch Documents, by [author name scrubbed].

Table 6. Cybersecurity Framework (NIST) and Information Sharing

(NIST's Feb. 12, 2014 Cybersecurity Framework, and proposals for cyberthreat information sharing among federal and private stakeholders)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs)

DHS

Continuously updated

Many companies have found it challenging to develop effective information sharing organizations—or Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs). In response, President Obama issued the 2015 Executive Order 13691 directing DHS to encourage the development of ISAOs.

Cybersecurity Framework: Implementation Guidance for Federal Agencies, Interagency Report 8170

NIST

May 2017

The draft says federal agencies can use the cybersecurity framework to complement the existing suite of NIST security and privacy risk management standards, guidelines, and practices developed in response to the Federal Information Security Management Act. (41 pages)

Proposed Update to the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity (Request for Comment)

NIST

January 25, 2017

NIST has developed a draft update of the framework (termed "Version 1.1" or "V1.1"), available at http://www.nist.gov/cyberframework. The draft update seeks to clarify, refine, and enhance the framework, and make it easier to use, while retaining its flexible, voluntary, and cost-effective nature. The update will also be fully compatible with the February 2014 version of the framework in that either version may be used by organizations without degrading communication or functionality. NIST is soliciting public comments on this proposed update. Specifically, NIST is interested in comments that address updated features of the Framework. (2 pages)

ISAO Voluntary Guidelines

ISAO Standards Organization

September 2016

The ISAO SO has published initial voluntary guidelines for emerging and established ISAOs. These publications have been developed in response to presidential Executive Order 13691 to provide guidelines for robust and effective information sharing and analysis related to cybersecurity risks, incidents, and best practices.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the FTC

Federal Trade Commission

August 31, 2016

From the perspective of the staff of the FTC, NIST's Cybersecurity Framework is consistent with the process-based approach that the FTC has followed since the late 1990s, the 60+ law enforcement actions the FTC has brought to date, and the agency's educational messages to companies.... The framework and the FTC's approach are fully consistent: The types of things the framework calls for organizations to evaluate are the types of things the FTC has been evaluating for years in its Section 5 enforcement to determine whether a company's data security and its processes are reasonable. By identifying different risk management practices and defining different levels of implementation, the NIST framework takes a similar approach to the FTC's long-standing Section 5 enforcement.

Network of 'Things'

NIST

July 28, 2016

The publication provides a basic model aimed at helping researchers better understand the Internet of Things (IoT) and its security challenges. The Network of Things (NoT) model is based on four fundamentals at the heart of IoT—sensing, computing, communication and actuation. The model's five building blocks, called "primitives," are core components of distributed systems. They provide a vocabulary to compare different NoTs that can be used to aid understanding of IoTs. (Note: This document was initially released as a draft back in mid-February 2016, it was under a different technical publication series called NIST Interagency Report (NISTIR) as Draft NISTIR 8063, Internet of Things. After considerable review, it was decided that when the draft becomes approved as final, it will be placed into the Special Publication 800-series - SP 800-183, Network of 'Things'. So this final Special Publication replaces the draft NISTIR 8063). (30 pagesO

Revision of OMB Circular No. A-130, "Managing Information as a Strategic Resource"

OMB

July 28, 2016

OMB has revised Circular A-130, "Managing Information as a Strategic Resource," to reflect changes in law and advances in technology. The circular establishes general policy for information governance, acquisitions, records management, open data, workforce, security, and privacy. It also emphasizes the role of both privacy and security in the federal information life cycle. When implemented by agencies, these revisions to the circular will promote innovation, enable appropriate information sharing, and foster the wide-scale and rapid adoption of new technologies while strengthening protections for security and privacy.

Cybersecurity Framework Feedback: What We Heard and Next Steps

NIST

June 9, 2016

NIST is developing a minor update of its Cybersecurity Framework based on feedback from its users. A draft of the update will be published for comment in early 2017. The rich body of stakeholder feedback called for other actions that NIST will undertake: Publish a governance process that outlines the process of framework maintenance and evolution and defines the role of stakeholders and how they will continue to work together in the future; Remain as convener of framework stakeholders; and Continue framework outreach and focus on international, small and medium-sized businesses and regulators. (10 pages)

Information Sharing and Analysis Organization

DHS

May 11, 2016

"This Notice announces a request for public comment on draft products produced by the Information Sharing and Analysis Organization (ISAO) Standards Organization (SO) in partnership with the six established ISAO SO Standards Working Groups (SWG). This is the first iteration of draft products that will be used in the development of voluntary standards for Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs) as they relate to E.O. 13691." (2 pages)

NPPD Seeks Comments on Cyber Incident Data Repository White Papers

DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD)

March 28, 2016

NPPD is seeking public comment on three white papers prepared by NPPD staff. Links to the white papers are posted on the cybersecurity insurance section of DHS.gov: Comments will assist NPPD to further refine the content of the white papers to address the critical need for information sharing as a means to create a more robust cybersecurity insurance marketplace and improve enterprise cyber hygiene practices across the public and private sectors. (2 pages)

Multistakeholder Process To Promote Collaboration on Vulnerability Research Disclosure

NTIA

March 28, 2016

NTIA convened a meeting of a multistakeholder process concerning the collaboration between security researchers and software and system developers and owners to address security vulnerability disclosure. Stakeholders engaged in an open, transparent, consensus-driven process to develop voluntary principles guiding the collaboration between vendors and researchers about vulnerability information. (1 page)

Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 Interim Guidance Documents-Notice of Availability

NPPD

February 18, 2016

DHS announced the availability of Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 Interim Guidance Documents jointly issued with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in compliance with the act (CISA), which authorizes the voluntary sharing and receiving of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures for cybersecurity purposes, consistent with certain protections, including privacy and civil liberty protections. The CISA guidance documents may be found on http://www.us-cert.gov/ais. (1 page)

NIST Seeking Comments on the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

December 11, 2015

NIST requested information about the variety of ways in which the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure is being used to improve cybersecurity risk management, how best practices using the framework are shared, the relative value of different parts of the framework, the possible need for a framework update, and options for long-term governance of the Framework. (3 pages)

Notice of Public Meeting Regarding Standards for Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations

DHS

October 26, 2015

In accordance with EO 13691, DHS has entered into a cooperative agreement with a non-governmental ISAO Standards Organization led by the University of Texas at San Antonio with support from the Logistics Management Institute (LMI) and the Retail Cyber Intelligence Sharing Center (R-CISC). The notice announces the ISAO Standards Organization's initial public meeting on November 9, 2015, to discuss Standards for the development of ISAOs. (2 pages)

Standards for Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAO)

DHS

May 26, 2015

DHS posted a cooperative agreement funding notice for the outfit that will set standards for ISAO. The grant will be worth up to $11 million over five years. The notice rules out Mitre as a possible bidder, because it excludes federally funded research and development centers and laboratories. However, FFRDCs can be hired by the standards organization for specific projects.

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Best Practices (WG4): Cybersecurity Framework for the Communications Sector

Federal Communications Commission

(FCC)

March 18, 2015

The CSRIC is a federal advisory committee that provides recommendations to the FCC regarding best practices and actions the commission can take to help ensure security, reliability, and interoperability of communications systems and infrastructure. The CSRIC approved a report that identifies best practices, provides a variety of important tools and resources for communications companies of different sizes and types to manage cybersecurity risks, and recommends a path forward. (418 pages)

Update on the Cybersecurity Framework

NIST

December 5, 2014

In a status update, NIST said there was widespread agreement among stakeholders that it was too early to update the framework. NIST will consider producing additional guidance for using the framework, including how to apply the little-understood four-tiered system for gauging organizational cybersecurity program sophistication. In general, information and training materials that advance framework use, including illustrative examples, was to be an immediate priority for NIST. (8 pages)

Energy Sector Cybersecurity Framework Implementation Guidance - Draft For Public Comment and Comment Submission Form

Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability

September 12, 2014

Energy companies need not choose between the NIST cybersecurity framework and the DOE's Cybersecurity Capability Maturity Model (C2M2). The NIST framework tells organizations to grade themselves on a four-tier scale based on their overall cybersecurity program sophistication. C2M2 instructs users to assess cybersecurity control implementation across 10 domains of cybersecurity practices, such as situational awareness, according to the users' specific "maturity indicator level."

Guidelines for Smart Grid Cybersecurity, Smart Grid Cybersecurity Strategy, Architecture, and High-Level Requirements

NIST

September 2014

The three-volume report presents an analytical framework that organizations can use to develop effective cybersecurity strategies tailored to their particular combinations of smart grid-related characteristics, risks, and vulnerabilities. Organizations in the diverse community of smart grid stakeholders—from utilities to providers of energy management services to manufacturers of electric vehicles and charging stations—can use the methods and supporting information in the report as guidance for assessing risk and identifying and applying appropriate security requirements. The approach recognizes that the electric grid is changing from a relatively closed system to a complex, highly interconnected environment. Each organization's cybersecurity requirements should evolve as technology advances and as threats to grid security inevitably multiply and diversify. (668 pages)

How Do We Know What Information Sharing Is Really Worth? Exploring Methodologies to Measure the Value of Information Sharing and Fusion Efforts

RAND Corporation

June 2014

Given resource constraints, there are concerns about the effectiveness of information-sharing and fusion activities and, therefore, their value relative to the public funds invested in them. Solid methods for evaluating these efforts are lacking, however, limiting the ability to make informed policy decisions. Drawing on a substantial literature review and synthesis, the report lays out the challenges of evaluating information-sharing efforts that frequently seek to achieve multiple goals simultaneously; reviews past evaluations of information-sharing programs; and lays out a path to improving the evaluation of such efforts. (33 pages)

Sharing Cyberthreat Information Under 18 USC § 2702(a)(3)

Department of Justice (DOJ)

May 9, 2014

DOJ issued guidance for Internet service providers to assuage legal concerns about information sharing. The white paper interprets the Stored Communications Act, which prohibits providers from voluntarily disclosing customer information to governmental entities. The paper says that the law does not prohibit companies from divulging data in the aggregate, without any specific details about identifiable customers. (7 pages)

Antitrust Policy Statement on Sharing of Cybersecurity Information

DOJ and Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

April 10, 2014

Information-sharing about cyber threats can be done lawfully as long as companies are not discussing competitive information such as pricing, the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission said in a joint statement. "Companies have told us that concerns about antitrust liability have been a barrier to being able to openly share cyber threat information," said Deputy Attorney General James Cole. "Antitrust concerns should not get in the way of sharing cybersecurity information." (9 pages)

Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

NIST

February 12, 2014

The voluntary framework consists of cybersecurity standards that can be customized to various sectors and adapted by both large and small organizations. DHS announced the Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community (C³)—or "C-cubed"—voluntary program. The C³ program gives state and local governments and companies that provide critical services, such as cell phones, email, banking, and energy, direct access to DHS cybersecurity experts who have knowledge about specific threats, ways to counter those threats, and how, over the long term, to design and build systems that are less vulnerable to cyber threats. (41 pages)

Update on the Development of the Cybersecurity Framework

NIST

January 15, 2014

From the document, "While stakeholders have said they see the value of guidance relating to privacy, many comments stated a concern that the methodology did not reflect consensus private sector practices and therefore might limit use of the Framework. Many commenters also stated their belief that privacy considerations should be fully integrated into the Framework Core." (3 pages)

Cybersecurity Framework

NIST

October 22, 2013

NIST sought comments on the preliminary version of the Cybersecurity Framework. Executive Order 13636 directed NIST to work with stakeholders to develop such a framework to reduce cyber risks to critical infrastructure. (47 pages)

Discussion Draft of the Preliminary Cybersecurity Framework

NIST

August 28, 2013

The framework provides a common language and mechanism for organizations to (1) describe current cybersecurity posture; (2) describe their target state for cybersecurity; (3) identify and prioritize opportunities for improvement within the context of risk management; (4) assess progress toward the target state; and (5) foster communications among internal and external stakeholders. (36 pages)

Cyber Security Task Force: Public-Private Information Sharing

Bipartisan Policy Center

July 2012

Outlines a series of proposals to enhance information sharing. The recommendations have two major components: (1) mitigating perceived legal impediments to information sharing, and (2) incentivizing private-sector information sharing by alleviating statutory and regulatory obstacles. (24 pages)

Annual Report to Congress 2012: National Security Through Responsible Information Sharing

Information Sharing Environment

June 30, 2012

The report states, "This Report, which PM-ISE is submitting on behalf of the President, incorporates input from our mission partners and uses their initiatives and PM-ISE's management activities to provide a cohesive narrative on the state and progress of terrorism-related responsible information sharing, including its impact on our collective ability to secure the nation and our national interests." (188 pages)

NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework

National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE)

November 21, 2011

The federal government's adoption and implementation of cloud computing depend upon a variety of technical and nontechnical factors. A fundamental reference point, based on the NIST definition of cloud computing, is needed to describe an overall framework that can be used government-wide. The document presents the NIST Cloud Computing Reference Architecture and Taxonomy that will accurately communicate the components and offerings of cloud computing. (35 pages)

Improving our Nation's Cybersecurity through the Public-Private Partnership: A White Paper

Business Software Alliance, Center for Democracy and Technology, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Internet Security Alliance, and Tech America

March 8, 2011

The paper proposes expanding the existing partnership within the framework of the National Infrastructure Protection Plan. Specifically, it makes a series of recommendations that build upon the conclusions of President Obama's Cyberspace Policy Review. (26 pages)

Efforts to Improve Information Sharing Need to Be Strengthened

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

August 27, 2003

Information on threats, methods, and techniques of terrorists is not routinely shared, and the information that is shared is not perceived as timely, accurate, or relevant. (59 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Table 7. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

(reports and audits)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

Office of Cybersecurity and Communications (CS&C)

DHS

Continuously Updated

CS&C

works to prevent or minimize disruptions to critical information infrastructure to protect the public, the economy, and government services and

leads efforts to protect the federal ".gov" domain of civilian government networks and to collaborate with the private sector—the ".com" domain—to increase the security of critical networks.

Continuous Diagnostic and Mitigation Program

DHS

Continuously Updated

An initiative to deploy continuous monitoring at U.S. federal government agencies will be done in phases, with the initial rollout occurring over three years. The initial phase is aimed at getting federal civilian agencies to employ continuous diagnostic tools to improve vulnerability management, enforce strong compliance settings, manage hardware and software assets, and establish white-listing of approved services and applications.

Mobile Device Security

DHS

April 2017

The study found that threats to the federal government's use of mobile devices—smartphones and tablet computers running mobile operating systems—exist across all elements of the mobile ecosystem. These threats require a security approach that differs substantially from the protections developed for desktop workstations largely because mobile devices are exposed to a distinct set of threats, frequently operate outside of enterprise protections and have evolved independently of desktop architectures. The study presents a series of recommendations to enhance the federal government's mobile device security. (125 pages)

Information Security: DHS Needs to Continue to Advance Initiatives to Protect Federal Systems

GAO

March 28, 2017

DHS has initiatives for (1) detecting and preventing malicious cyber intrusions into agencies' networks and (2) deploying technology to assist agencies to continuously diagnose and mitigate cyber threats and vulnerabilities. In a January 2016 report, GAO made nine recommendations related to expanding NCPS's capability to detect cyber intrusions, notifying customers of potential incidents, providing analytic services, and sharing cyber-related information, among other things. DHS concurred with the recommendations and is taking actions to implement them. (16 pages)

Cybersecurity: Actions Needed to Strengthen U.S. Capabilities

GAO

February 1, 2017

"GAO recommends nine actions to DHS for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of NCCIC, including to determine the applicability of the implementing principles and establish metrics and methods for evaluating performance; and address identified impediments." (67 pages)

Critical Infrastructure Protection: Improvements Needed for DHS's Chemical Facility Whistleblower Report Process

GAO

July 12, 2016

The Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) Act of 2014 required DHS to establish a whistleblower process. Employees and contractors at hundreds of thousands of U.S. facilities with hazardous chemicals can play an important role in helping to ensure CFATS compliance by submitting a whistleblower report when they suspect noncompliance This report addresses (1) the number and types of CFATS whistleblower reports DHS received, and any actions DHS took as a result, and (2) the extent to which DHS has implemented and followed a process to address the whistleblower reports, including reports of retaliation against whistleblowers. (49 pages)

Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 Final Guidance Documents-Notice of Availability

DHS

June 15, 2016

DHS is announcing the availability of Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 (CISA) Final Guidance Documents jointly issued with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in compliance with the act, which authorizes the voluntary sharing and receiving of cyber threat indicators and defensive measures for cybersecurity purposes, consistent with certain protections, including privacy and civil liberty protections. The CISA-mandated final procedures and guidance, as well as an updated version of the non-federal entity sharing guidance, may be found at www.us-cert.gov/ais. (2 pages)

DHS Needs to Enhance Capabilities, Improve Planning, and Support Greater Adoption of Its National Cybersecurity Protection System

GAO

January 28, 2016

DHS's National Cybersecurity Protection System (NCPS) is partially meeting its stated system objectives…. Federal agencies have adopted NCPS to varying degrees. The 23 agencies required to implement the intrusion detection capabilities had routed some traffic to NCPS intrusion detection sensors. However, only 5 of the 23 agencies were receiving intrusion prevention services, but DHS was working to overcome policy and implementation challenges. Further, agencies have not taken all the technical steps needed to implement the system, such as ensuring that all network traffic is being routed through NCPS sensors. This occurred in part because DHS has not provided network routing guidance to agencies. As a result, DHS has limited assurance regarding the effectiveness of the system. (61 pages)

DHS Can Strengthen Its Cyber Mission Coordination Efforts

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), OIG

September 15, 2015

DHS still struggles to coordinate its cyber-response activities and lacks an automated information-sharing tool to share cyberthreat data among components within the department—let alone between government and the private sector, which the Obama Administration and some lawmakers have been pressing for. In addition, the IG found scattershot training for cybersecurity professionals in the department, with some analysts paying for their own training courses to keep their skills fresh. (36 pages)

IT Security Suffers from Noncompliance

DHS Office of Inspector General (OIG)

December 22, 2014

DHS has made progress in improving its information security program, but noncompliance by several DHS component agencies is undermining that effort. The OIG raised concerns over a lack of compliance by these components and urged DHS leadership to strengthen its oversight and enforcement of existing security policies. (2 pages)

Health Insurance Marketplaces Generally Protected Personally Identifiable Information but Could Improve Certain Information Security Controls

Department of Homeland Security (DHS), OIG

September 22, 2014

The websites and databases in some state health insurance exchanges are still vulnerable to attack, putting personally identifiable information at risk. The report examined the websites and databases of the federal insurance exchange, as well as the state exchanges for Kentucky and New Mexico.

Implementation Status of the Enhanced Cybersecurity Services Program

DHS OIG

July 2014

The National Protection Programs Directorate (NPPD) has made progress in expanding the Enhanced Cybersecurity Services program. As of May 2014, 40 critical infrastructure entities were participating in the program and 22 companies had signed memorandums of agreement to join the program. Although progress has been made, the program has been slow to expand because of limited outreach and resources. In addition, cyber threat information sharing relies on NPPD's manual reviews and analysis, which has led to inconsistent cyber threat indicator quality. (23 pages)

The Critical Infrastructure Cyber Community C³ Voluntary Program

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

February 12, 2014

The C³ Voluntary Program serves as a point of contact and a customer relationship manager to assist organizations with using the Cybersecurity Framework and guide interested organizations and sectors to DHS and other public and private-sector resources to support use of the framework.

ITI Recommendations to the Department of Homeland Security Regarding its Work Developing a Voluntary Program Under Executive Order 163636, "Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity"

Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)

February 11, 2014

ITI released a set of recommendations eying further improvement of the framework, changes that call for DHS to "de-emphasize the current focus on incentives." Partly, ITI recognizes the cyber order can produce change even in an environment in which fiscal constraints and congressional inaction stall carrots for adoption, but ITI and others "do not want incentives if they come at the cost of "compliance-based programs." (3 pages)

Evaluation of DHS' Information Security Program for Fiscal Year 2013

DHS OIG

November 2013

The report reiterates that the agency uses outdated security controls and Internet connections that are not verified as trustworthy and that the agency does not review its top-secret information systems for vulnerabilities. (50 pages)

DHS' Efforts to Coordinate the Activities of Federal Cyber Operations Center

DHS OIG

October 2013

DHS could do a better job sharing information among the five federal centers that coordinate cybersecurity work. The department's National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) is tasked with sharing information about malicious activities on government networks with cybersecurity offices within DOD, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and federal intelligence agencies. But the DHS center and the five federal cybersecurity hubs all have different technology and resources, preventing them from sharing intrusions, threats, or awareness information and restricting their ability to coordinate responses. The centers also have not created a standard set of categories for reporting incidents. (29 pages)

DHS Is Generally Filling Mission-Critical Positions, but Could Better Track Costs of Coordinated Recruiting Efforts

GAO

September 17, 2013

Within DHS, o at a key cybersecurity component is vacant, in large part due to steep competition in recruiting and hiring qualified personnel. National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) officials cited challenges in recruiting cyber professionals because of the length of time taken to conduct security checks to grant top-secret security clearances and low pay in comparison with the private sector. (47 pages)

DHS Can Take Actions to Address Its Additional Cybersecurity Responsibilities

DHS

June 2013

The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) was audited to determine whether the Office of Cybersecurity and Communications had effectively implemented its additional cybersecurity responsibilities to improve the security posture of the federal government. Although it has made some progress, NPPD can make further improvements to address its additional cybersecurity responsibilities. (26 pages)

Privacy Impact Assessment for EINSTEIN 3 Accelerated (E³A)

DHS

April 19, 2013

DHS deployed EINSTEIN 3 Accelerated (E3A) to enhance cybersecurity analysis, situational awareness, and security response. Under DHS's direction, Internet service providers will administer intrusion prevention and threat-based decisionmaking on network traffic entering and leaving participating federal civilian executive branch agency networks. This Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) was being conducted because E3A will include analysis of federal network traffic, which may contain personally identifiable information. (27 pages)

Outcome-Based Measures Would Assist DHS in Assessing Effectiveness of Cybersecurity Efforts

GAO

April 11, 2013

Until DHS and its sector partners develop appropriate outcome-oriented metrics, it will be difficult to gauge the effectiveness of efforts to protect the nation's core and access communications networks and the Internet's critical support components from cyber incidents. Although no cyber incidents affecting the nation's core and access networks have been reported, communications networks operators can use reporting mechanisms established by the Federal Communications Commission and DHS to share information on outages and incidents. (45 pages)

Federal Support for and Involvement in State and Local Fusion Centers

U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations

October 3, 2012

A two-year bipartisan investigation found that DHS efforts to engage state and local intelligence "fusion centers" has not yielded significant useful information to support federal counterterrorism intelligence efforts. In Section VI, "Fusion Centers Have Been Unable to Meaningfully Contribute to Federal Counterterrorism Efforts," Part G, "Fusion Centers May Have Hindered, Not Aided, Federal Counterterrorism Efforts," the report discusses the Russian "cyberattack" in Illinois. (141 pages)

CyberSkills Task Force Report

DHS

October 2012

DHS's task force on CyberSkills proposes far-reaching improvements to enable the department to recruit and retain the cybersecurity talent it needs. (41 pages)

DHS Efforts to Assess and Promote Resiliency Are Evolving but Program Management Could Be Strengthened

GAO

September 23, 2010

DHS has not developed an effective way to ensure that critical national infrastructure, such as electrical grids and telecommunications networks, can bounce back from a disaster. DHS conducted surveys and vulnerability assessments of critical infrastructure to identify gaps but has not developed a way to measure whether owners and operators of that infrastructure adopt measures to reduce risks. (46 pp)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Table 8. Department of Defense (DOD)

(reports by and audits of)

Title

Source

Date

Notes

DOD Cyber Strategy

DOD

Continuously Updated

The strategy guides the development of DOD's cyber forces and strengthens cyber defense and cyber deterrence posture. It focuses on building cyber capabilities and organizations for DOD's three primary cyber missions.

Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CS/IA) Program

DOD

Continuously Updated

DOD established the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity and Information Assurance (CS/IA) Program to enhance and supplement DIB participants' capabilities to safeguard DOD information that resides on or transits DIB unclassified networks or information systems. The public-private cybersecurity partnership is designed to improve DIB network defenses, reduce damage to critical programs, and increase DOD and DIB cyber situational awareness. Under the DIB CS/IA Program, DOD and DIB participants share unclassified and classified cyber threat information.

Program Protection and System Security Engineering Initiative

DOD Systems Engineering

Continuously Updated

DOD systems have become increasingly networked, software-intensive, and dependent on a complicated global supply chain, which has increased the importance of security as a systems engineering design consideration. In response to this new reality, DOD has established Program Protection/System Security Engineering as a key discipline to protect technology, components, and information from compromise through the cost-effective application of countermeasures to mitigate risks posed by threats and vulnerabilities. The analysis, decisions, and plans of acquisition programs are documented in a Program Protection Plan, which is updated prior to every milestone decision.

PERSEREC (Personnel and Security Research Center)

DOD Office of People Analytics (OPA)

Continuously Updated

The Pentagon is slated to launch one mega database for investigating the trustworthiness of personnel who could have access to federal facilities and computer systems. The Defense Information System for Security, or DISS, will consolidate two existing tools used for vetting employees and job applicants.

Cyber Power Potential of the Army's Reserve Component

RAND

September 2017

This report identifies the number of Army RC cyber-skilled personnel to help identify ways in which these soldiers can be leveraged to conduct Army cyber operations. This report also describes the broader challenges and opportunities that the use of RC personnel presents. (206 pages)

DOD's Monitoring of Progress in Implementing Cyber Strategies Can Be Strengthened

GAO

August 1, 2017

The report examines (1) DOD officials' perspectives on the advantages and disadvantages of the dual-hat leadership arrangement of NSA/CSS and CYBERCOM, and actions that could mitigate risks if the leadership arrangement ends, and (2) the extent to which DOD has implemented key strategic cybersecurity guidance. GAO analyzed DOD cybersecurity strategies, guidance, and information and interviewed cognizant DOD officials. (46 pages)

Statement by President Donald J. Trump on the Elevation of Cyber Command

White House

July 18, 2017

President Trump elevated U.S. Cyber Command to a full combatant command. U.S. Cyber Command's elevation will also help streamline command and control of time-sensitive cyberspace operations by consolidating them under a single commander with authorities commensurate with the importance of such operations. Elevation will also ensure that critical cyberspace operations are adequately funded.

154th Cyber Protection Team engaged in network defense at Cybertropolis, Indiana

Army Cyber Command

March 2, 2017

The U.S. Army has created a realistic simulator that allows each member of the CPT to test, measure, and improve their cyberattack and defense skills and the team to build trust in each other. In a full-scale, small city in Butlerville, Indiana, called Cybertropolis, the team was challenged to conduct an interactive battle against attackers on the prison systems and, specifically, to detect and counter anti-virus evasion, network enumeration, ransomware, client-side attacks, pivoting, network service exploitation, privilege escalation, attacks against industrial control systems and Windows' domain attacks.

Cyber Supply Chain

Defense Science Board

February 2017

The task force addressed (1) practices to mitigate malicious supply chain risk and latent vulnerabilities, and whether opportunities exist to modify or strengthen these practices; (2) current department program protection processes, as well as other practices to detect and assess potential vulnerabilities in hardware and software; (3) the extent to which commercial off the shelf vulnerabilities have been reported and impact the security of DOD systems; and (4)• interagency activities that DOD could better leverage to reduce supply chain risks.

DoD Cybersecurity Weaknesses as Reported in Audit Reports Issued from August 2015 Through July 31, 2016

DoD Office of Inspector General

December 13, 2016

Summarized DOD and Government Accountability Office audit reports issued from August 1, 2015, through July 31, 2016, that contained findings on DOD cybersecurity weaknesses. DOD and GAO issued 21 unclassified reports that addressed a wide range of cybersecurity weaknesses within DOD systems and networks. Reports issued during the reporting period most frequently cited cybersecurity weaknesses in the categories of risk management, identity and access management, security and privacy training, contractor systems, and configuration management. (40 pages)

Office of the Director Operational Test and Evaluation FY 2016 Annual Report

DOD

December 2016

DOD personnel too often treat network defense as an administrative function, not a war fighting capability. Until this paradigm changes, and the change is reflected in the department's approach to cybersecurity personnel, resource allocation, training, accountability, and program and network management, the department will continue to struggle to adequately defend its systems and networks from advanced cyberattacks. (532 pages)

DOD's Defense Industrial Base Cybersecurity Activities

DOD

October 4, 2016

This final rule responds to public comments and updates DOD's Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity (CS) Activities. This rule implements mandatory cyber incident reporting requirements for DOD contractors and subcontractors who have agreements with DOD. In addition, the rule modifies eligibility criteria to permit greater participation in the voluntary DIB CS information sharing program. (6 pages)

DoD's Policies, Procedures, and Practices for Information Security Management of Covered Systems

DoD Inspector General

August 15, 2016

As part of a review mandated by the 2015 Cybersecurity Act, DOD's inspector general offers summaries, not assessments of the department's policies and procedures on logical access control policies and practices, use of multifactor authentication, software inventory, threat prevention, and contractor oversight. (66 pages)

What is NORAD's Role in Military Cyber Attack Warning?

Homeland Security Affairs

May 2016

The essay traces NORAD's warning mission history, discusses the basic concepts involved with cyberattacks, identifies key U.S. and Canadian military cyber organizations, and examines significant U.S. and Canadian cyberspace government policies. It then proposes three potential new courses of action for NORAD, identifying advantages, disadvantages, and proposed solutions to implementation. (24 pages)

DOD Needs to Clarify Its Roles and Responsibilities for Defense Support of Civil Authorities during Cyber Incidents, Report to Congressional Committees

GAO

April 4, 2016

This report assesses the extent to which DOD has developed guidance that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities for providing support to civil authorities in response to a cyber incident. GAO reviewed DOD DSCA guidance, policies, and plans; and met with relevant DOD, National Guard Bureau, and Department of Homeland Security officials. (31 pages)

Department of Defense Provides Government Contractors Grace Period for Compliance with Key Cybersecurity Requirements

National Law Review

January 4, 2016

The Pentagon is giving military contractors an 18-month extension to comply with certain cybersecurity requirements in the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS). The decision to allow contractors a grace period was made following public comments in December 2015.

National Guard Set to Activate Additional Cyber Units

U.S. Army

December 9, 2015

The National Guard announced plans to activate 13 additional cyber units spread throughout 23 states by the end of FY2019. Seven new Army Guard cyber protection teams, or CPTs, will be activated across Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. They join four previously announced Army Guard CPTs spread across California, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, and Ohio.

Department of Defense (DoD)-Defense Industrial Base (DIB) Cybersecurity (CS) Activities

DOD Chief Information Officer

October 2, 2015

DOD is revising its DoD-DIB Cybersecurity (CS) Activities regulation to mandate reporting of cyber incidents that result in an actual or potentially adverse effect on a covered contractor information system or covered defense information residing therein, or on a contractor's ability to provide operationally critical support, and modify eligibility criteria to permit greater participation in the voluntary DoD- DIB CS information sharing program. (8 pages)

Cyber Security DoD Cybersecurity Weaknesses as Reported in Audit Reports Issued From August 1, 2014, Through July 31, 2015

DOD Office of Inspector General (OIG)

September 25, 2015

In the span of one year, the Pentagon addressed fewer than half of the recommendations to shore up cyber vulnerabilities identified by its OIG. The Defense Department addressed 93 of 229 cyber recommendations made by the OIG between August 1, 2014 and July 31, 2015, according to a summary of a new audit released by the IG's office. DOD left the majority of recommendations—136—unresolved.

Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Network Penetration Reporting and Contracting for Cloud Services

DOD

August 26, 2015

DOD is issuing an interim rule amending DFARS to implement a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 and a section of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, both of which require contractor reporting on network penetrations. Additionally, this rule implements DOD's policy on the purchase of cloud computing services. (10 pages)

Insider Threats: DOD Should Strengthen Management and Guidance to Protect Classified Information and Systems

Government Accountability Office (GAO)

June 2, 2015

DOD components have identified technical and policy changes to help protect classified information and systems from future insider threats, but DOD is not consistently collecting this information to support management and oversight responsibilities. DOD has not identified a program office to oversee the insider-threat program. Without an office dedicated to oversight of insider-threat programs, DOD may not be able to ensure the collection of all needed information and could face challenges in establishing goals and in recommending resources and improvements to address insider threats. This is an unclassified version of a classified report GAO issued in April 2015. (55 pages)

The DOD Cyber Strategy

DOD

April 17, 2015

Deterrence is a key part of the new cyber strategy, which describes the department's contributions to a broader national set of capabilities to deter adversaries from conducting cyberattacks. The strategy sets five strategic goals and establishes specific objectives for DOD to achieve over the next five years and beyond. (42 pages)

Cyber Insurance: Managing Cyber Risk

Institute for Defense Analyses

April 2015

The paper provides an overview of the components of cyber insurance, discusses the role of the government, and examines specific implications to the Defense Department. (14 pages)

Excepted Service (DOD)

Office of Personnel Management (OPM)

March 5, 2015

DOD is given authority to make permanent, time-limited, and temporary appointments not to exceed 3,000 positions that require unique cybersecurity skills and knowledge to perform cyber risk and strategic analysis, incident handling and malware/vulnerability analysis, program management, distributed control systems security, cyber incident response, cyber exercise facilitation and management, cyber vulnerability detection and assessment, network and systems engineering, enterprise architecture, investigative analysis, and cyber-related infrastructure inter-dependency analysis. (3 pages)

DOT&E FY 2014 Annual Report

DOD Office of the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E)

January 2015

A series of live fire tests of the military's computer networks security in 2015 found many combatant commands could be compromised by low-to-middling-skilled hackers and might not be able to "fight through" in the face of enemy cyberattacks. The assessment echoes previous OT&E annual assessments, which routinely found that military services and combatant commands did not have a sufficiently robust security posture or training to repel sustained cyberattacks during battle. (91 pages)

A Review of the U.S. Navy Cyber Defense Capabilities: Abbreviated Version of a Classified Report

National Research Council (NRC)

January 2015

The NRC appointed an expert committee to review the U.S. Navy's cyber defense capabilities. The Department of the Navy determined that the committee's final report is classified in its entirety under Executive Order 13526 and therefore cannot be made available to the public. A Review of U.S. Navy Cyber Defense Capabilities, the abbreviated report, provides background information on the full report and the committee that prepared it. (13 pages)

Training Cyber Warriors: What Can Be Learned from Defense Language Training?

RAND Corporation

January 20015

The study examines what the military services and national security agencies have done to train linguist personnel with skills in critical languages other than English and the kinds of language training provided to build and maintain this segment of the workforce. The study draws from published documents, research literature, and interviews of experts in both language and cyber. (97 pages)

DOD Cloud Computing Strategy Needs Implementation Plan and Detailed Waiver Process

DOD OIG

December 4, 2014

Report states that the DOD chief information officer "did not develop an implementation plan that assigned roles and responsibilities as well as associated tasks, resources and milestones," despite promises that an implementation plan would directly follow the cloud strategy's release. (40 pages)

Cyber Mission Analysis: Mission Analysis for Cyber Operations of Department of Defense

National Guard

August 21, 2014

The results of this analysis reflect DOD's current view of its requirements for successful conduct of cyberspace operations, leveraging a Total Force solution. DOD assesses there can be advantages to using reserve component (RC) resources for Cyber Mission Force (CMF) missions, such as providing load sharing with active duty forces, providing available surge capacity if authorized to activate, and maintaining DOD-trained forces to defend national critical infrastructure. (45 pages)

State-of-the-Art Resources (SOAR) for Software Vulnerability Detection, Test, and Evaluation

and

Appendix E: State-of-the-Art Resources (SOAR) Matrix (Excel spreadsheet)

Institute for Defense Analyses Report P-5061

July 2014

The paper assists DOD program managers and their staffs in making effective software assurance and software supply chain risk management decisions. It describes some key gaps identified in the course of the study, including difficulties in finding unknown malicious code, obtaining quantitative data, analyzing binaries without debug symbols, and obtaining assurance of development tools. Additional challenges were found in the mobile environment. (234 pages)

Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China 2013 (Annual Report to Congress)

DOD

May 6, 2013

China is using its computer network exploitation capability to support intelligence collection against the U.S. diplomatic, economic, and defense-industrial base sectors that support U.S. national defense programs. The information targeted could potentially be used to benefit China's defense industry, high-technology industries, policy-maker interest in U.S. leadership thinking on key China issues, and military planners building a picture of U.S. network defense networks, logistics, and related military capabilities that could be exploited during a crisis. (92 pages)

FY2012 Annual Report

DOD

January 2013

The annual report to Congress by J. Michael Gilmore, director of Operational Test and Evaluation, assesses the operational effectiveness of systems being developed for combat. See Information Assurance (I/A) and Interoperability (IOP) chapter, pages 305-312, for information on network exploitation and compromise exercises. (372 pages)

Resilient Military Systems and the Advanced Cyber Threat

Department of Defense (DOD) Science Board

January 2013

The report states that, despite numerous Pentagon actions to parry sophisticated attacks by other countries, efforts are "fragmented" and DOD "is not prepared to defend against this threat." The report lays out a scenario in which cyberattacks in conjunction with conventional warfare damaged the ability of U.S. forces to respond, creating confusion on the battlefield and weakening traditional defenses. (146 pages)

Crisis and Escalation in Cyberspace

RAND Corporation

December 2012

The report considers how the Air Force should integrate kinetic and nonkinetic operations. Central to this process was careful consideration of how escalation options and risks should be treated, which, in turn, demanded a broader consideration across the entire crisis-management spectrum. Such crises can be managed by taking steps to reduce the incentives for other states to step into crisis, controlling the narrative, understanding the stability parameters of the crises, and trying to manage escalation if conflicts arise from crises. (200 pages)

Electronic Warfare: DOD Actions Needed to Strengthen Management and Oversight

GAO

July 9, 2012

DOD's oversight of electronic warfare capabilities may be further complicated by its evolving relationship with computer network operations, which is also an information operations-related capability. Without clearly defined roles and responsibilities and updated guidance regarding oversight responsibilities, DOD does not have reasonable assurance that its management structures will provide effective department-wide leadership for electronic warfare activities and capabilities development and ensure effective and efficient use of its resources. (46 pages)

Cloud Computing Strategy

DOD, Chief Information Officer

July 2012

The DOD Cloud Computing Strategy introduces an approach to move the department from the current state of a duplicative, cumbersome, and costly set of application silos to an end state, which is an agile, secure, and cost-effective service environment that can rapidly respond to changing mission needs. (44 pages)

DOD Information Security Program: Overview, Classification, and Declassification

DOD

February 24, 2012

Describes the DOD Information Security Program and provides guidance for classification and declassification of DOD information that requires protection in the interest of national security. (84 pages)

Cyber Sentries: Preparing Defenders to Win in a Contested Domain

Air War College

February 7, 2012

The paper examines the current impediments to effective cybersecurity workforce preparation and offers new concepts to create "Cyber Sentries" through realistic training, network authorities tied to certification, and ethical training. These actions present an opportunity to significantly enhance workforce quality and allow DOD to operate effectively in the contested cyber domain in accordance with the vision established in its Strategy for Cyberspace Operations. (38 pages)

Anomaly Detection at Multiple Scales (ADAMS)

Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

November 9, 2011

The report describes a system for preventing leaks by seeding believable disinformation in military information systems to help identify individuals attempting to access and disseminate classified information. (74 pages)

Defense Department Cyber Efforts: Definitions, Focal Point, and Methodology Needed for DOD to Develop Full-Spectrum Cyberspace Budget Estimates

GAO

July 29, 2011

The letter discusses DOD's cyber and information assurance budget for FY2012 and future years' defense spending. The review's objectives were to (1) assess the extent to which DOD has prepared an overarching budget estimate for full-spectrum cyberspace operations across the department and (2) identify the challenges DOD has faced in providing such estimates. (33 pages)

Legal Reviews of Weapons and Cyber Capabilities

Secretary of the Air Force

July 27, 2011

Report concludes the Air Force must subject cyber capabilities to legal review for compliance with the Law of Armed Conflict and other international and domestic laws. The Air Force judge advocate general must ensure that all cyber capabilities "being developed, bought, built, modified, or otherwise acquired by the Air Force" undergo legal review—except for cyber capabilities within a Special Access Program, which must undergo review by the Air Force general counsel. (7 pages)

Department of Defense Strategy for Operating in Cyberspace

DOD

July 2011

An unclassified summary of DOD's cybersecurity strategy. (19 pages)

Defending a New Domain

Foreign Affairs

September/October 2010

In 2008, DOD suffered a significant compromise of its classified military computer networks when an infected flash drive was inserted into a U.S. military laptop at a base in the Middle East. The previously classified incident was the most significant breach of U.S. military computers ever and served as an important wake-up call.

Information Security: Progress Made on Harmonizing Policies and Guidance for National Security and Non-National Security Systems

GAO

September 15, 2010

OMB and NIST established policies and guidance for civilian non-national security systems, and other organizations, including the Committee on National Security Systems (CNSS), DOD, and the U.S. intelligence community, have developed policies and guidance for national security systems. GAO assessed the progress of federal efforts to harmonize policies and guidance for these two types of systems. (38 pages)

Computer Attacks at Department of Defense Pose Increasing Risk

GAO

May 1996

Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) estimates indicate that DOD may have been attacked as many as 250,000 times in 1995. However, the exact number is not known because, according to DISA, only about 1 in 150 attacks is actually detected and reported. In addition, in testing its systems, DISA attacks and successfully penetrates DOD systems 65% of the time. (48 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Table 9. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

(includes selected NIST standards, guidance, Special Publications (SP), and grants)

Title

Date

Notes

Computer Security Division, Computer Security Resource Center

Continuously Updated

Compilation of laws, regulations, and directives from 2000 to 2007 that govern the creation and implementation of federal information security practices. These laws and regulations provide an infrastructure for overseeing implementation of required practices and charge NIST with developing and issuing standards, guidelines, and other publications to assist federal agencies in implementing the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) of 2002 and in managing cost-effective programs to protect their information and information systems.

Computer Security Portal

Continuously Updated

The portal covers electronic mail, Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS), and Threats and Vulnerabilities.

Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations

August 2017

This publication provides a catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations to protect organizational operations and assets, individuals, other organizations, and the Nation from a diverse set of threats including hostile attacks, natural disasters, structural failures, human errors, and privacy risks. (494 pages)

Digital Identity Guidelines: Authentication and Lifecycle Management

June 2017

NIST is overhauling password guidelines. One revised recommendation is that IT departments should only force a password change when there's been a security breach. Another recommendation is to favor long phrases, rather than short passwords with special characters. There should no longer be a requirement to have a certain mix of special characters, upper case letters and numbers for a password. (78 pages)

Guide for Cybersecurity Event Recovery

December 2016

This publication provides tactical and strategic guidance regarding the planning, playbook developing, testing, and improvement of recovery planning. It also provides an example scenario that demonstrates guidance and informative metrics that may be helpful for improving resilience of information systems. (53 pages)

Domain Name Systems-Based Electronic Mail Security (NIST Cybersecurity Practice Guide)

November 2, 2016

The draft guide demonstrates how commercially available technologies can help email service providers improve the security of email communications. The practical, user-friendly guide shows members of the information security community how to implement example solutions intended to help them align more easily with relevant standards and best practices.

Systems Security Engineering: Considerations for a Multidisciplinary Approach in the Engineering of Trustworthy Secure Systems

November 2016

NIST formally unveiled their guidelines for increasing the security of internet-connected devices. The guide provides security guidelines for 30 different processes involved with managing internet connected devices, from the supply phase to testing. (257 pages)

NIST Announces the release of 3 DRAFT NISTIRs (NIST Internal Reports)

October 4, 2016

(1) Draft NISTIR 8151, Dramatically Reducing Software Vulnerabilities: Report to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy;

(2) Draft NISTIR 8149, Developing Trust Frameworks to Support Identity Federations; and,

(3) Draft NISTIR 8138, Vulnerability Description Ontology (VDO): a Framework for Characterizing Vulnerabilities.

Assessing Threats to Mobile Devices & Infrastructure: The Mobile Threat Catalogue

September 2016

NIST's "mobile threat catalogue" sketches out parts of a mobile device strategy that need special attention, including securing physical access to smartphones and tablets, as well as authenticating who is using the device with passwords, fingerprints or voice recognition. "[M]obile device components are under constant development and are sourced from tens of thousands of original equipment manufacturers." Firmware could contain its own vulnerabilities, and "can increase the overall attack surface of the mobile device." (50 pages)

Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Tool (Baldrige Cybersecurity Excellence Builder)

September 2016

The Baldrige Cybersecurity Excellence Builder is intended to help organizations ensure that their cybersecurity systems and processes support the enterprises' larger organizational activities and functions. The tool "is not a one-size-fits-all approach. It is adaptable and scalable to your organization's needs, goals, capabilities, and environment. It does not prescribe how you should structure your organization's cybersecurity policies and operations. Through interrelated sets of open-ended questions, it encourages you to use the approaches that best fit your organization." (35 pages)

Two Cybersecurity Standards Come Together to Help Organizations Quantify and Prioritize Risk

August 11, 2016

NIST and FAIR are working together to help companies and governments entities use and implement the organizations' frameworks to mitigate cybersecurity risk in the most economical way. According to a FAIR Institute blog post, FAIR and NIST are fundamentally different but complimentary frameworks. NIST assesses the maturity level of cybersecurity risks by providing a list of good practices and FAIR assesses the amount of risk and activities that should be prioritized by an organization.

DRAFT NIST Special Publication 800-63B Digital Authentication Guideline

August 3, 2016

In an update to its Digital Authentication Guidelines, NIST calls for phasing out two-factor authentication via SMS messaging, saying that the method does not offer adequate security. The guidance applies to government service providers.

Network of 'Things'

July 28, 2016

The publication provides a basic model aimed at helping researchers better understand the Internet of Things (IoT) and its security challenges. The Network of Things (NoT) model is based on four fundamentals at the heart of IoT— sensing, computing, communication and actuation. The model's five building blocks, called primitives, are core components of distributed systems. They provide a vocabulary to compare different NoTs that can be used to aid understanding of IoTs. (30 pages)

NIST 'RAMPS' Up Cybersecurity Education and Workforce Development With New Grants

May 12, 2016

NIST is offering up to $1 million in grants to establish up to eight Regional Alliances and Multistakeholder Partnerships to Stimulate (RAMPS) cybersecurity education and workforce development. Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, including institutions of higher education, located in the United States or its territories. Applicants must also demonstrate through letters of interest that at least one of each of the following types of organizations is interested in being part of the proposed regional alliance: K-12 school or Local Education Agency (LEA), institution of higher education or college/university system, and a local employer.

NIST seeking comments on the Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity

December 11, 2015

In this Request for Information (RFI), NIST requests information about the variety of ways in which the Framework is being used to improve cybersecurity risk management, how best practices for using the Framework are being shared, the relative value of different parts of the Framework, the possible need for an update of the Framework, and options for the long-term governance of the Framework. (3 pages)

Pilot Projects to Improve Cybersecurity, Reduce Online Theft

September 21, 2015

NIST is awarding $3.7 million to support three pilot programs that aim to make online transactions for health care, government services, transportation, and the Internet of Things (IoT) more secure and private. This is the fourth round of grants given to support the NSTIC effort, which was launched in 2011 by the Obama Administration to encourage secure, efficient, easy-to-use, and interoperable identity credentials for online use.

Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Information Systems and Organizations (SP 800-171)

June 2015

SP 800-171 is a final draft of security controls for federal contractors to follow when handling a class of data known as "controlled unclassified information." The document will become a formal requirement for government contractors in 2016 through an anticipated update to federal acquisition regulations. Controlled unclassified information is an umbrella term for a wide range of data that includes personally identifiable information, financial transactions, and geospatial images. (76 pages)

Assessing Security and Privacy Controls in Federal Information Systems and Organizations: Building Effective Assessment Plans (SP 800-53A, rev. 4)

December 12, 2014

The publication provides organizations with the breadth and depth of security controls necessary to fundamentally strengthen their information systems and the environments in which those systems operate, which will contribute to systems that are more resilient in the face of cyberattacks and other threats. This "Build It Right" strategy is coupled with a variety of security controls for continuous monitoring to give organizations near real-time information that is essential for senior leaders making ongoing risk-based decisions affecting their critical missions and business functions. (487 pages)

NIST/NCCoE Establishment of a Federally Funded Research and Development Center

September 22, 2014

The MITRE Corporation was awarded NIST's cybersecurity Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) contract worth up to $5 billion over five years. MITRE already operates six individual FFRDCs for agencies including the DOD and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is also active in cybersecurity, managing the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures database, which catalogues software security flaws. In addition, it developed specifications for the Structured Threat Information Expression (STIX) and Trusted Automated Exchange of Indicator Information (TAXII) under DHS contract.

Systems Security Engineering: An Integrated Approach to Building Trustworthy Resilient Systems

May 13, 2014

NIST launched a four-stage process to develop detailed guidelines for "systems security engineering," adapting a set of widely used international standards for systems and software engineering to the specific needs of security engineering. The agency released the first set of those guidelines for public comment in a draft document. (121 pages)

Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

December 2, 2010

The MOU, signed by NIST, DHS, and the Financial Services Sector Coordinating Council, formalized the parties' intent to expedite the coordinated development and availability of collaborative research, development, and testing activities for cybersecurity technologies and processes based upon the financial services sector's needs. (4 pages)

Source: Highlights compiled by CRS from the reports.

Note: Page counts are documents; other cited resources are web pages.

Author Contact Information

[author name scrubbed], Senior Research Librarian ([email address scrubbed], [phone number scrubbed])