According to an audit released last week by the US Department, all Homeland Security websites are said to be vulnerable to cyber attacks from state-run actors. The report showed various lapses in the internet systems run by the Secret Service and Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities. The report specifically mentioned that ‘The Homeland Security’ needs to take up a cyber training program which will train analysts and investigators.
However, some Homeland Security officials blamed lack of funds as the prime factor for this security lapses and said that Congress should allocate enough budget to initiate training programs on the quarterly or monthly basis.
Web sites used by Secret service agents and ICE are said to be extremely vulnerable in the investigation report and were attacked previously by hackers.
The report filed by Office of the Inspector General for DHS says that internal websites at ICE and USSS have vulnerabilities that may allow individuals or groups to access sensitive data. This could lead to a major cyber threat, if the new government of Donald Trump, forming on January 20th, 2017 doesn’t take necessary action in time.
The audit filed by DHS said that 240,000 employee departments have made growth in amplifying cyber coordination between agencies. The departments have also made 9 recommendations on this note. But the DHS is waiting for a reply from the Congress for addressing the issues since March this year.
DHS report also quoted that the decision-making skills of the Congress were paused from August this year, due to elections. As soon as the white house gives the nod, the recommendations to strength all Homeland Security websites and departments will be fulfilled by early 2018.
As far as the newly elected President Donald Trump is concerned, he has already shared his mind on this issue through his election agenda. He wants to make America a number one nation in the world. He also mentioned on many occasions that his government will never spare other country snooping when it comes to National Security.
So, the only thing his Government needs to do is to allocate sufficient funds to the department. Rest all can/will be managed by the Homeland Security authorities.
Hope, this message passes to the Trump tower on time!
