CybersecurityDHS requesting boost in cybersecurity funds
Government, industry, and academia have labeled the shortage of cyber specialists in the government as a national security problem; the United States is looking to hire 30,000 security experts to safeguard cyberspace as opposed to the 1,000 personnel currently staffed government wide; DHS has requested $936 million in funding for FY 2012 to grow the federal cybersecurity workforce and enhance network protections
DHS has requested $936 million in funding for FY 2012 to grow the federal cybersecurity workforce and enhance network protections. The budget will maintain DHS’ Information Protection and Information Security program by employing 1,207 full-time personnel, 432 more staff than were compensated in 2010.
Asides from the $124 million that will go into employing the 1,207 personnel, $24.5 million will go to virtual cybersecurity training initiative, as well as $529,307 for strengthening the acquisition workforce through recruitment, training, retention, and improved equipment.
Government, industry, and academia have labeled the shortage of cyber specialists in the government as a national security problem. The nation is looking to hire 30,000 security experts to safeguard cyberspace as opposed to the 1,000 personnel currently staffed government wide.
The administration is requesting $233.6 million for the installation of Einstein 3, a controversial system that monitors federal computer network traffic for potential intrusions.
The overall request by DHS is being overshadowed by the $2.3 billion the Defense Department is proposing to reinforce military networks and coordinate with DHS through the National Security Agency.
Among the other cybersecurity spending priorities DHS secretary Janet Napolitano outlined last Monday are combating cyber crime and targeting child pornography distributors.
