For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate today traveled to Williamsburg, Va. to participate in the Council of Governors Meeting. Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks highlighting the importance of public and private sector collaboration on cybersecurity and the Department’s efforts to secure cyberspace.
“Protecting critical infrastructure and cyberspace – including the systems and networks that support the financial services, energy and defense industries – requires all of us working together,” said Secretary Napolitano. “From government and law enforcement to the private sector and members of the public, everyone has a role to play in protecting against cyber threats.”
During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the importance of cyber preparedness and the role of states in responding to cyber incidents. To this end, DHS engages the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center to promote information sharing, early warnings and alerts, mitigation strategies, training and exercises, and for maintaining overall situational awareness.
In addition to protecting civilian government networks, DHS also works with owners and operators of critical infrastructure to help them secure their own networks, by conducting risk assessments and developing plans to mitigate risks. Last year, the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, DHS’ 24-hour watch and warning center, responded to more than 106,000 incident reports, and released more than 5,000 actionable cybersecurity alerts and information products to public and private sector partners.
On January 11, 2010, President Obama issued an Executive Order establishing the Council of Governors as a mechanism for state and federal officials to discuss issues pertaining to the National Guard and homeland security.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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