Letter to John Kelly, Secretary of Homeland Security, and Rick Perry, Secretary of Energy - Comprehensive Infrastructure Blueprint Will Help Shield Our Critical Infrastructure From Hackers
Letter
Dear Secretary Kelly and Secretary Perry:
I write to request an update on the progress you have made in implementing the recent executive order, "Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure." Specifically, I request an update on your efforts, in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to support the cybersecurity efforts of the US's critical infrastructure owners and operators. With recent reports that hackers may have launched cyber-attacks on nuclear power plants and other energy facilities, it is more critical than ever that the federal government do all that it can to ensure that our nation's critical infrastructure and electric grid are secure.
As you know, recent reports have indicated that hackers may be targeting the computer networks of companies that operate nuclear power plants and other energy facilities. These attacks, which have reportedly been going on since May, are deeply concerning, and serve as reminder of the persistent threat of cyber-attacks, and the possible damage that they could do to our critical infrastructure. While fortunately it appears that the reported hack on a nuclear plant did not affect the plant's operations, a future cyber-attack on an energy facility could result in largescale blackouts or other more severe negative consequences. Therefore, it is crucial that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Energy (DOE), and all other federal agencies expedite their work to support the cybersecurity efforts of the nation's critical infrastructure owners and operators, including the identification of federal resources and capabilities best suited to protect critical infrastructure where a cyber-attack could have catastrophic effects, and in assessing the resilience of the electric grid. I stand ready to work with my colleagues in Congress to take the steps necessary to protect our electric grid and other critical infrastructure from cyber-attacks.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this critical issue. I look forward to continuing to work with you to enhance the security of our critical infrastructure against future cyber-attacks.
Sincerely,
Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator
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