The Department of Homeland Security has, among other functions, the mission to prevent cyberattacks on the balance of the federal government. Unfortunately, the protector needs protection. Hackers have remained ahead of hack protection, in many cases, and even the most protected part of the U.S. government is no exception.

The report is from the Office of Inspector General: Department of Homeland Security, and is titled “Improved Coordination Needed to Meet Cyber Threats.”

According to the authors:

OIG conducted this performance audit to determine whether DHS and three of its component agencies have well-delineated cyber roles and responsibilities, a process for information sharing, and the ability coordinate a national response to cyber incidents. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), National Protection and Programs Directorate, and United States Secret Service (USSS) each have key roles in cybersecurity. The audit identified vulnerabilities due to a lack of coordination, guidance, training, and compliance with existing policies.
The report recommended that DHS:

• Develop a strategic plan to improve cyber awareness in all of its agencies.
• Establish a department-wide cyber training program.
• Create a department-wide system for sharing cyber security information.
• Make technical enhancements to strengthen information systems.
• Bring ICE and USSS into full compliance with information security
  policies.

Although the document does not point to North Korea and China, it might as well. Based on past information, made available to the press, groups in these countries are particularly anxious to break into government computers and those from the private sector, especially ones that give services to the government.

The Inspector General’s Office does not provide these groups any comfort.

ALSO READ: Highest Paid Public Employee in Every State

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us?
Contact the 24/7 Wall St. editorial team.