Schumer: Upstate Power Grids, Bank Databases & Telecommunication Network Systems Are Being Put At Unnecessary Risk; New Fed Plan Would Limit Use Of Key Security Software; 9 in 10 Critical Infrastructure Providers Were Attacked Last Year; Schumer Urges Feds To Scrap Plan That Would Curtail Ability To Protect NY's Critical Infrastructure From Hackers

Press Release

Today, on a conference call with reporters, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer said a new Commerce Department plan will negatively impact power utility companies', banks', and telecommunication companies' ability to protect themselves from cyberattacks. Schumer said that Commerce Department officials recently promulgated a new rule that would inhibit the development of new security software and restrict a company's ability to use software that helps it test its firewall strength and find network vulnerabilities. For example, Schumer said these types of "fire drill" and self-assessment safety programs help power and utility companies mitigate the chances of a blackout due to a cyberattack by diagnosing weak points in their cybersecurity before hackers can exploit them. Schumer highlighted that cyberattacks are more and more common across the country. From 2013 to 2014, there was a 500 percent increase in cyberattacks, which is why Schumer is urging the Commerce Department to immediately suspend and rework any plan that could jeopardize Upstate New York's critical online infrastructure.

"From North Korea to Russia to ISIL to domestic hackers, cybersecurity threats to our power grids, banks, and private consumer information is under assault like never before, so our companies must have the ability to install and test the best defenses. Unfortunately, when it comes to self-testing, a new federal rule is forcing companies and power utilities to fight the scourge of cyberattacks with one hand tied behind their backs," said Senator Schumer. "The federal government must instead work arm-in-arm with potential hacking targets to beat back the tide of cyberattacks. So I am urging the Department of Commerce to go back to the drawing board on this proposal and find ways to keep critical software out of the hands of would-be evil-doers while giving our companies the leeway they need to protect themselves and the information of millions of New Yorkers."

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