For the third year in a row the DHS has scored an F on cybersecurity from the House Government Reform Committee:
A quick look at the complete list of scores reveals that eight of the twenty-four departments flunked cybersecurity, and that many of them are repeat offenders (Energy and Agriculture have both failed for five years running, a record that would make Bart Simpson proud). What’s most worrying is that the agencies charged with security and diplomacy (State, Defense, Homeland Security) did so poorly, and it suggests that the government has yet to take cybersecurity seriously.
The sheer size and scope of these agencies no doubt makes it difficult to develop and enforce a comprehensive network security plan. State and Defense have the added burden of needing to support secure networks and PCs around the globe, while DHS is still struggling to integrate its many disparate agencies. Still, it’s worth noting that large departments can do well; the Social Security Administration scored an A+.
Feel safe yet?
Well, my Soc. Security is safe and will be there when I need it in thirty years… right? Right?