Sens. Maggie Hassan (D., N.H.) and Rob Portman (R., Ohio) have reintroduced legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to establish “cyber hunt” and “cyber incident response” teams to protect federal government and private sector networks.

The DHS Cyber Hunt and Incident Response Teams Act (S 315) is the latest version of a bill that cleared the House last congressional session but fell short in the Senate.  It would require DHS to maintain its existing cyber hunt and cyber incident response teams to help asset owners and operators restore services following a cyber incident.

The teams also would identify potential cyber intrusions and cyber risks; develop mitigation strategies to prevent, deter, and protect against cyber threats; and provide recommendations to asset owners and operators for improving their network security, according to the senators.

“Our cyber response teams play an important role in protecting against cyber threats and help get our cyber infrastructure back up and running after an attack occurs,” Sen. Portman said in a statement. “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bipartisan legislation to ensure that DHS has the authorities it needs to effectively reduce cybersecurity risks.”

“By encouraging the private sector and the Department of Homeland Security’s cyber response teams to work together, this legislation will foster collaboration between the best minds in the field of cybersecurity to help fend off cyber attacks and protect vital infrastructure,” Sen. Hassan said. The bill was referred to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, to which both senators have been assigned. — Tom Leithauser, tom.leithauser@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily