Protecting America\'s Internet Networks: Better Plan Is Needed

¶ … Law Enforcement -- Computer Security

Three agencies that are part of the U.S. Federal Government's effort to thwart computer crimes are the Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, and the Secret Service. Computer crime (also known as cyber crime) is a growing and dangerous menace, not just to the government -- and to all 50 state governments -- but to corporate networks, private computers and educational institution computer networks as well.

What challenges face the three departments mentioned above based on the independent nature of these agencies, and can they cooperate to provide steadfast collaboration against terrorists and other hackers who seek to steal important information and interrupt normal business cycles?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a massive, multi-agency department with many responsibilities, and cybersecurity is just one of its duties. It is also responsible for border security, customs (including enforcing immigration laws) and emergency management (FEMA) (www.dhs.gov). The Secret Service operates within the bureaucracy of DHS, and while it's main function is protection of the President of the United States (and others in the executive branch), it is also assigned to protect American currency against counterfeit organizations. Also, the Secret Service is assigned to protect against those involved in criminal activity regarding "fund transfer frauds, access device frauds, false identification documents or devices," which would include cyber crime (www.law.cornell.edu). The FBI meanwhile has become deeply involved in cybercrimes and cyberterrorism since September 11, 2011. It fights organized crime, terrorism, and has 56 offices nationwide.

But are these three agencies aligned and are they collaborating to protect computer networks -- especially in the federal government's sensitive servers? There is evidence that the Secret Service's investigative mission "…does not fit clearly into any of the DHS stated missions," according to the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) (Harlow, 2011). In fact the Secret Service budget "…has not kept pace over the past budget cycles…" in part because the Secret Service's "inability to argue effectively for the need for this capability within DHS (Harlow, 2). The "lack of attention to this important area of criminal activity" -- computer crime in particular -- leaves America's financial stability "at risk," according to Harlow.

As for the FBI, there is a serious question as regards their approach to computer security following their proposal to "…penalize online services that provide users with too much security" (Sanchez, 2013). In other words, the FBI is proposing to fine online companies for not being "wire-tap ready" on the Internet, that is, by having so much security that the FBI can't easily wire tap to find criminals that commit cybercrimes (Sanchez). This proposal would "crush privacy rights of law abiding citizens" and would "help cyber criminals" (Krieger, 2013). Does this sound like the FBI is collaborating with other federal agencies and making the best decisions to protect citizens?