10.27.15

Senate Passes Cybersecurity Bill

Murkowski Votes for Bill to Patch the Nation’s Cyber Defenses

Today U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski released the following statement after her vote for the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, S. 754 which passed in a vote of 74-21:

“Cyberattacks aren’t just a threat to Alaskans and the rest of the nation, unfortunately they are a reality. The status quo is just not acceptable. Every day we learn of new cyberattacks on our personal information and company’s technology.”

“This is an important bill that will help protect our personal information and assist in preventing damaging cyberattacks aimed at stealing our secrets and technologies. The single most effective way of advancing cybersecurity is sharing cyber threat information between the government and industry, as well as within the private sector.”

“And as Chairman of the Senate Energy Committee, I have specific responsibilities for protection of our nation’s electric grid and critical energy infrastructure from a cyber attack. We must continue to be vigilant against emerging cyber threats, but at the same time our privacy is imperative. I believe this bill finds a right balance of protection and privacy.”

The Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act enhances the sharing of information about cybersecurity threats within the private sector, and between the U.S. government and private sector. Included in the bill are important measures to enhance privacy and protect civil liberties. It now heads to the House for consideration.

Murkowski is chairman of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee.