WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement today following Google’s announcement expressing concerns about cyber-attacks originating from China to its corporate infrastructure. The company revealed that it has evidence to suggest that a primary goal of the attackers was access to Gmail accounts, specifically the accounts of Chinese human rights activists, and that it will be reviewing business operations with the country.

“Cyber-attacks are increasing exponentially and we need to get serious about America’s cybersecurity — our nation’s public and private infrastructure is too critical to remain vulnerable and unprotected,” said Chairman Rockefeller. “I intend to markup my cybersecurity bill early this year to address these ever-evolving attacks and secure our networks. It’s an understatement to say that cybersecurity is one of the most important issues we face; the increasingly connected nature of our lives only amplifies our vulnerability to cyber attacks and we must act now.”

KEY ELEMENTS OF ROCKEFELLER-SNOWE COMPREHENSIVE CYBERSECURITY LEGISLATION:

• Significantly raising the profile of cybersecurity within the Federal government and streamlining cyber-related government functions and authorities.
• Promoting public awareness and protecting civil liberties.
• Creating teamwork and a partnership between government and the private sector on cybersecurity.
• Fostering innovation and creativity in cybersecurity to develop long-term solutions.

An important component of this legislation is to establish the Office of the National Cybersecurity Advisor within the Executive Office of the President. The National Cybersecurity Advisor will lead this office and report directly to the President. The Advisor will serve as the lead official on all cyber matters, coordinating with the intelligence community, as well as the civilian agencies.

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