Top GOPers Block Cybersecurity Bill

A look at the week of February 21 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, Republican senators voiced their opposition to cybersecurity legislation introduced by Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT).  Meanwhile, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressed support for the legislation, which would require critical sectors to report network intrusions to the government.  A Mashable article finds many advantages to hiring veterans for tech positions.

Top GOPers Block Cybersecurity Bill — Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) unveiled a bill on Feb. 14 aimed at boosting defenses against escalating cyberthreats, says Politico. The same day Lieberman unveiled his bill, top Republicans on seven other Senate committees complained that the measure was being rushed. The GOP critics said the measure should be vetted — through hearings and markups — by their committees.

Napolitano Backs Senate Cybersecurity Bill, Industry Reporting Requirement — Homeland Security Department Secretary Janet Napolitano told lawmakers the White House approves of the Lieberman Senate computer security legislation requiring critical sectors to report network intrusions to the government. The information-sharing measures that she supports would involve businesses whose computers are vital to U.S. financial markets, power grids, transportation systems and other services that if disrupted, could cause mass casualties, prolonged evacuations or catastrophic economic damage. Covered companies would have to inform the government of "significant cyber incidents" that jeopardize their systems or be subject to civil penalties, reports Nextgov.com.

Why Veterans Are a Good Fit for Tech Jobs — Unemployment numbers are down, although there are 220,000 veterans who are still looking for work. Although these vets are having a tough time finding jobs, they’re actually well equipped to work in the tech sector — many vets are skilled in computer security, SQL and troubleshooting.  Some employers are reluctant to hire those in the National Guard or Army Reserve, due to the required time off for service or training. But these employers could earn a tax credit upward of $9,600 for hiring veterans, says Mashable. These tax credits and an improving job market could help the American economy achieve First Lady Michelle Obama’s goal of hiring 100,000 veterans and military spouses by 2014.