The Government Accountability Office has recommended the use of a multilayered approach to security in light of recent cyber attacks on government networks.In a statement to the House of Representatives published Wednesday, GAO said addressing cyber threats also requires personnel training, consistent process implementation and appropriate technologies.
GAO cited ongoing government efforts, led by the Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Management and Budget, to bolster governmentwide cybersecurity such as personal identity verification, continuous diagnostics and mitigation and national cybersecurity protection system.
Gregory Wilshusen, director of information security issues at GAO, discussed cybersecurity challenges facing federal agencies during his testimony before the House subcommittee on cybersecurity, infrastructure protection and security technologies.
GAO’s statement highlighted the challenges federal agencies face in efforts to address cyber threats such as the design of a risk-based cybersecurity program, oversight of information technology contractors, security incident response, personal information breaches and cybersecurity program implementation in small agencies.
