DHS Budget Features Large Cyber Investments

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano testified on Wednesday on the department’s 2013 fiscal year budget request before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

The request includes several large investments for cybersecurity to expedite the deployment of EINSTEIN 3, a solution that is proactive in attacking threats, to prevent and detect intrusions on federal computer systems.

The budget also focuses on combating cyber crimes, targeting large-scale producers and distributors of child pornography and preventing attacks against U.S. critical infrastructure through Financial Crimes Task Forces.

Some of the larger cybersecurity investments include:

• $236 million is included for Federal Network Security, which manages activities designed to enable Federal agencies to secure their IT networks. This funding supports Federal Executive Branch civilian departments and agencies in implementing capabilities to improve their cybersecurity posture in accordance with the Federal Information Security Management Act, while enabling improved continuous monitoring of network activity and other capabilities to address evolving cyber threats.
• $345 million is included for Network Security Deployment, which manages the NCPS operationally known as EINSTEIN. NCPS is an integrated intrusion detection, analytics, information-sharing, and intrusion prevention system that supports DHS responsibilities within the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative mission.
• $93 million is included for US-CERT Operations. As the operational arm of the National Cyber Security Division, US-CERT leads and coordinates efforts to improve the Nation’s cybersecurity posture, promote cyber information sharing, and manage cyber risks to the Nation. US-CERT encompasses the activities that provide immediate customer support and incident response, including 24-hour support in the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center.
• Funding is included to expand the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center to 25 States to provide the capacity to cover all States by FY 2015.
• The FY 2013 Budget includes $12.9 million to provide high-quality, cost-effective virtual cybersecurity education and training to develop and grow a robust cybersecurity workforce that is able to protect against and respond to national cybersecurity threats and hazards.
• The FY 2013 Budget includes $64.5 million for S&T’s research and development focused on strengthening the Nation’s cybersecurity capabilities.
• The FY 2013 Budget continues to support cyber investigations conducted through the Secret Service and ICE. In FY 2013, ICE will continue to investigate and provide computer forensics support for investigations into domestic and international criminal activities, including benefits fraud, arms and strategic technology, money laundering, counterfeit pharmaceuticals, child pornography, and human trafficking, occurring on or through the Internet. The Secret Service’s Financial Crimes Task Forces will continue to focus on the prevention of cyber attacks against U.S. financial payment systems and critical infrastructure.