Hirono Secures Commitment from Department of Defense to Promote New Cybersecurity Requirements for Contractors

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on strengthening cybersecurity, Senator Mazie K. Hirono questioned Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense and Global Security Kenneth Rapuano on how the Department is helping defense contractors comply with heightened requirements to ensure sensitive information is protected.

“As we continue to face cybersecurity threats, it’s critical that we increase data protection,” said Senator Hirono, Ranking Member of the Senate Armed Services Seapower Subcommittee. “I will continue to work with the Department of Defense to ensure that contractors in Hawaii, especially small businesses, have enough information and time to meet the new requirements.”

By December 31, 2017, all Department of Defense contractors must comply with updated cybersecurity requirements. During the hearing, Mr. Rapuano told Senator Hirono that he will provide information on how the Department of Defense is notifying contractors of the new requirements to ensure that the measures are sufficient to reach all defense contractors affected. 

Senator Hirono also pressed Acting Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate Christopher Krebs on actions the administration is taking to prevent foreign interference in our elections.

Click on the photo above to watch video from the hearing

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