Federal IT services are frequently dealing with a large amount of security concerns. After all, it is the nature and job of these types of individuals to have to stor data that could be very damaging if accessed by hackers. Yet, cybersecurity concerns have grown more heated than ever. Thanks to recent high-profile hacks on major companies, the public consciousness about cybersecurity has been roused.
People may not know how much it means for them individually to have their personal information stolen or kept on file by others, but they do know how important it is that their credit card numbers are safe. Cloud computing for government agencies may be a good decision for many groups at this point, as the naturally secure cloud structure may allow them to save money on implementing better defenses.
No matter what agencies do, they’ll have to do it quickly. Every major federal organization, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the federal reserve has had people saying it is time for them to step up and help companies and agencies become more secure.
“I view cybersecurity as one of the most serious financial stability concerns facing central banks,” Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President Eric Rosengren said. He added that safe payment systems should be instituted as well, as they are the cornerstone of a functioning economy.
Rosengren’s perspective is not so much about preventing thieves from stealing data as it is about keeping them from disrupting lawful activities. The recent high-profile Sony hack had an aim not toward making a lot of money for the thieves that attacked it, but at damaging Sony as an organization. There may be other attacks like this, and they could target the way that companies and workers like to spend their money – credit card networks and similar infrastructure.
Cybersecurity measures are necessary for all levels of government
If Rosengren is correct and companies need to worry about security no matter how large they are, then many local government agencies may be in the path of danger. Cloud computing for local government might be useful in this case, as it will provide them safe places to store their data that would be difficult for hackers to pull off of servers. The amount of security involved in defending a given server from attack is enough to deter all but the most well-funded and motivated criminals.
It is these kinds of vulnerabilities that are guiding the senate as they craft a new cybersecurity bill. Ultimately, it is up to those who are involved with the creation of better standards for security who will ensure the minimum level of safety consumers can expect. The U.S. chamber of commerce, telecommunication industry association and 20 other business groups sent the Senate a letter about passing a cybersecurity bill:
“Cyberattacks aimed at U.S. businesses and government entities are being launched from various sources, including sophisticated hackers, organized crime and state-sponsored groups,” the letter reads. “These attacks are advancing in scope and complexity … congressional action cannot come soon enough.”
Developing defenses against oncoming attacks is an extremely important part of any organization’s disaster and longevity planning operations. By deciding to include strong defenses that can keep these workers from dealing with problems they might otherwise face, groups can prevent themselves from being damaged in the long term. This can ensure the optimal security and survivability of a given commerce platform, allowing them to stand up to a variety of attacks. With this in mind, hopefully more organizations will implement strong defenses against hackers and other threats.