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Topics in the News: Cyber


Alejandro Mayorkas on Cyber: (Crime Mar 31, 2021)
Fighting cybercrime requires international cooperation

According to the FBI, the reported losses tied to cybercrime exceeded $4.1 billion last year alone. The Secret Service arrested more than 1,000 people for cyber-financial crimes and prevented over $2 billion in potential fraud losses. Many of these crimes are transnational in nature and require international cooperation to address. We must align our foreign policy priorities and international partnerships accordingly.

Ransomware now poses a national security threat. Those behind these malicious activities should be held accountable for their actions. That includes governments that do not use the full extent of their authority to stop the culprits. We must condemn them for it and remind them that any responsible government must take steps to prevent or stop such activity. We will do everything we can to prevent and respond to these horrendous acts. And we call on others around the world to do the same.

Click for Alejandro Mayorkas on other issues.   Source: DHS press release: 2021 Biden Administration

Alejandro Mayorkas on Cyber: (Technology Mar 31, 2021)
Cybersecurity needs government/private sector partnership

The government does not have the capacity to achieve our nation's cyber resilience alone. So much of our critical infrastructure is in the private sector's hands. We need to work with the private sector to protect the interests of the American people and the services on which we rely. This underscores a need for the federal government to modernize cybersecurity defenses and deepen our partnerships.

We must fundamentally shift our mindset and acknowledge that defense must go hand in hand with resilience. Bold and immediate innovations, wide-scale investments, and raising the bar of essential cyber hygiene are urgently needed to improve our cyber defenses. While one can reduce the frequency of incidents through modernized defenses, ultimately it is not a question of if you get hacked, but rather when. We must therefore also bolster our capacity to respond when incidents do happen.

Click for Alejandro Mayorkas on other issues.   Source: DHS press release: 2021 Biden Administration

Joe Biden on Cyber: (Technology Feb 4, 2021)
Appoint National Security Advisor for Cyber Technology

We'll take on directly the challenges posed by our prosperity, security, and democratic values by our most serious competitor, China. We'll confront China's economic abuses; counter its aggressive, coercive action; to push back on China's attack on human rights, intellectual property, and global governance. But we are ready to work with Beijing when it's in America's interest to do so.

We've elevated the status of cyber issues within our government, including appointing the first Deputy National Security Advisor for Cyber and Emerging Technology. We're launching an urgent initiative to improve our capability, readiness, and resilience in cyberspace.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Manchester Ink Link on 2020 New Hampshire Senate race

Joe Biden on Cyber: (Education Oct 15, 2020)
Fund research at HBCUs for foundational support

Q: What do you have to say to young Black voters?

BIDEN: I provide for a $70 billion for HBCUs for them to be able to have the wherewithal to do what other universities can do, because they don't have the kind of foundational support they need. In our administration, the President allowed me to go down and we awarded a cybersecurity laboratory [at 6 HCBUs via the CECOR program]. The federal government spends billions of dollars a year on universities, because they are the best-kept secret and where most of the major inventions come out of. And so that school now will be able to produce young Black women and men who are going to go into a field of the future that's burgeoning, cybersecurity. And that's what is going to help a great deal.

TRUMP: I have done more for the African American community [including] historically Black colleges and universities. I got them funded. They were on a year to year basis. They could have been put out of business. I got them 10-year funding & financing.

Click for Joe Biden on other issues.   Source: Second 2020 Presidential Debate/ABC Town Hall Philadelphia

John Hickenlooper on Cyber: (Technology Jul 9, 2020)
Bolster cybersecurity defense of our voting systems

As Governor, I established the National Cybersecurity Center, so I know what it takes to enact strong online protections. I support bolstering the defense of our voting systems by investing in cybersecurity efforts to secure voter registration databases, voting machines, reporting websites, and other software vulnerable to meddling.
Click for John Hickenlooper on other issues.   Source: 2020 Colorado Senate campaign website Hickenlooper.com

Tom Steyer on Cyber: (Government Reform Feb 25, 2020)
Russian election interference is cyberwarfare

Look, 21st Century warfare is cyber warfare. What we're having is an attack by a hostile foreign power on our democracy right now. The question you have to ask is, where is the commander-in-chief?

[President Trump] did stand next to Vladimir Putin. There was a hostile, foreign attack on our election last time and the president sided with the hostile foreign power. That's why I started "Need to Impeach."

That's what we have to do. We have to oppose a president who sides with a hostile foreign power that commits cyber warfare against the United States of America. That's where we are. Where are all these patriotic Republicans who wave the flag, but when we're actually under attack, they side with our enemies? It's outrageous.

That's why he should have been impeached. They covered it up. And I was years before these people. There's something wrong here. We're under attack, and they're not doing a darn thing about it.

Click for Tom Steyer on other issues.   Source: 10th Democratic Primary debate on eve of S.C. primary

Mike Bloomberg on Cyber: (Homeland Security Dec 24, 2019)
Argued against increasing military spending

Bloomberg has taken few stances on defense issues, but he has argued against increasing military spending. As mayor, he pursued a range of initiatives to help veterans. He has argued that overall military spending is "about where it should be," and dismisses claims that significant Pentagon budget increases are needed to sustain military readiness. He says the focus should be on developing high-tech equipment and "an effective cyberwar service."

He advocates for a new congressional authorization for overseas military operations, many of which currently rely on two-decade-old legislation, to put them "on sound legal footing."

He points to his mayoral record on veterans' issues. His administration's programs included job placement and career assistance services, a veteran-run job center, and a joint program with the Department of Veterans Affairs to combat veteran homelessness in New York.

Click for Mike Bloomberg on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary

Deval Patrick on Cyber: (Technology Dec 24, 2019)
Additional spending on cybersecurity and robotics

Patrick has long been a proponent of using government leverage to boost technology research and innovation, both domestically and internationally, and he promises additional spending on cybersecurity.

Patrick's campaign website promises increased investment in cybersecurity, expanded broadband internet, and emerging technology sectors such as robotics.

As governor, he expanded funding for technology research, especially biotech and information technologies.

Click for Deval Patrick on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2019 Democratic primary

Andrew Yang on Cyber: (Technology Dec 19, 2019)
Allow people to cast ballots through mobile apps

As for election security, Yang advocates allowing people to cast ballots through mobile apps. Those apps would be protected by blockchain, the technology that records transactions for cybercurrencies such as bitcoin. Again, no other candidate has made such a proposal, and the idea is generally frowned upon by election security experts.
Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: Alexandra Hutzler in Newsweek on 2019 Democratic primary

Andrew Yang on Cyber: (Technology Oct 15, 2019)
Russian hacking of our elections is a hostile act

Q: Your response to Putin and Russia?

Andrew Yang: We have to let Russia know, "Look, we get it. We've tampered with other elections. You've tampered with our elections. And now it has to stop. And if it does not stop, we will take this as an act of hostility against the American people." I believe most Americans would support me on this. But Russian hacking of our democracy is an illustration of the 21st century threats: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, climate change, loose nuclear material, military drones and non-state actors. These are the threats that are going to require our administration to catch up in terms of technology. We all know we are decades behind the curve on technology. As Commander in Chief, I will help pull us forward, and that's going to be a huge responsibility of the next president.

Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: October Democratic CNN/NYTimes Primary debate

Kamala Harris on Cyber: (Technology Aug 11, 2019)
We're very vulnerable to cyber threats

The previous head of the Department of Homeland Security designated our elections infrastructure as critical infrastructure of the United States. As critical as our electrical grids, as critical as our financial, right? And it has been attacked. We have got to do a better job of securing our infrastructure as it relates to our power grids, as it relates to what is going on in terms of our medical systems, what is going on in terms of our financial systems. We're very vulnerable to cyber threats.
Click for Kamala Harris on other issues.   Source: Meet the Press interview for Democratic 2020 Veepstakes

Seth Moulton on Cyber: (Free Trade Jul 30, 2019)
Deals must help Americans & protect intellectual property

We need to take on China but do so in a smart way. That means working towards a trade deal that helps Americans and American workers; building a cyber wall to keep our intellectual property safe in the face of Chinese aggression; and establishing a Pacific version of NATO to counter the growing security threat China poses to the region.
Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary

Seth Moulton on Cyber: (War & Peace Jul 30, 2019)
Provide lethal aid to Ukraine; strengthen NATO

The United States needs to hold Russia accountable for its ongoing aggression against Ukraine. We should do so by increasing sanctions to impose costs on the Russian government and by continuing to provide lethal aid to Ukraine. The actions we take must also be part of a broader strategy to counter Moscow's malign behavior. That means strengthening NATO's military capabilities and modernizing it to counter cyberattacks with the same resolve we've used to stop tanks from rolling into Europ
Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2020 presidential primary

Joe Sestak on Cyber: (Foreign Policy Jul 9, 2019)
Rejoin Iran deal; strengthen trade with allies

Sestak calls for re-joining the Iranian nuclear deal, modernizing our military by focusing on cyberspace capabilities, and supporting our military servicemembers (including LGBTQ individuals). Sestak also advocates for "reestablishing" ties and trade with allies "because countries that trade and do business with each other are much less likely to fight wars."
Click for Joe Sestak on other issues.   Source: Townhall.com on 2020 Democratic primary

Joe Sestak on Cyber: (Foreign Policy Jul 9, 2019)
Rejoin Iran nuclear deal; "reestablish" ties with allies

Sestak calls for re-joining the Iranian nuclear deal, modernizing our military by focusing on cyberspace capabilities, and supporting our military servicemembers (including LGBTQ individuals). Sestak also advocates for "reestablishing" ties and trade with allies "because countries that trade and do business with each other are much less likely to fight wars."
Click for Joe Sestak on other issues.   Source: Townhall.com, 2019 interview series

Joe Sestak on Cyber: (Homeland Security Jun 23, 2019)
More funding for veterans and for cyberspace

Click for Joe Sestak on other issues.   Source: 2020 presidential campaign website JoeSestak.com

Joe Sestak on Cyber: (Technology Jun 23, 2019)
Reprioritized defense funding toward cyberspace

Chosen to serve on two bi-partisan national security Select Congressional Committees, Sestak worked on refocusing our security force posture toward China, advocating a new emphasis on cyberspace warfare, and reprioritization of defense funding toward such newly emerging warfare capability areas, with a reformed accountable defense procurement system. Joe also supported energy development legislation for renewables, with environmental safeguards and job creation, to address Climate Change.
Click for Joe Sestak on other issues.   Source: 2020 presidential campaign website JoeSestak.com

Pete Buttigieg on Cyber: (Homeland Security Jun 11, 2019)
Prioritize cyber-threats & extremism, not more submarines

We must also be proactive in confronting armed extremist threats at home. In the past decade more Americans have been killed in America by right-wing extremists than those inspired by al Qaeda or ISIS, we need to acknowledge this threat too and redirect appropriate resources to combat right-wing extremism and violent white nationalism.

In the coming decades, we are more likely than ever to face insurgencies, asymmetric attacks, and high-tech strikes with cyber weapons or drones. Yet our latest defense budget calls for spending more on 3 Virginia-class submarines-- $10.2 billion--than on cyber defenses. It proposes spending more on a single frigate than on artificial intelligence and machine learning. We need to look not only at how much we're spending on our military but what we're prioritizing.

Click for Pete Buttigieg on other issues.   Source: 2020 presidential campaign website, PeteForAmerica.com

Seth Moulton on Cyber: (Technology May 2, 2019)
Invest in autonomous, hypersonic, and cyber weapons

When it comes to national security, our solution has too often been only "more:" more ships, more troops, more spending. But instead of always fighting with more, we have to fight smarter. No more building outdated, costly weapons systems--we need to make sure our troops have the best technology to defeat our adversaries and support our allies. That means dramatically increasing our investment in autonomous, hypersonic, and cyber weapons--and continuing to invest in basic scientific research.
Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.   Source: 2020 Presidential Campaign website SethMoulton.com

Kamala Harris on Cyber: (Technology Apr 22, 2019)
Cybersecurity crucial to protect elections & infrastructure

Cyberattacks can take a number of forms, but usually to our critical infrastructure. We are vulnerable in terms of our electrical grids, in terms of the systems that hold together our financial systems, our medical care systems. We have got to pay greater attention. I have a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen states' election systems to prevent the next attack. The leader in the Senate will not put it on the floor for a vote. As president that will be one of my number-one issues.
Click for Kamala Harris on other issues.   Source: CNN Town Hall 2020: 5 candidates back-to-back

Julian Castro on Cyber: (Government Reform Apr 11, 2019)
We need election security against foreign interference

We need a standard for cybersecurity for our elections. It is absolutely amazing that in county after county they have different voting machines, different standards for how they handle information. There's no one uniform standard to ensure that there's absolute security and integrity of the franchise. I would fund communities to be able to upgrade their equipment. I think that we need to create a paper trail, so that have a check on how people voted.
Click for Julian Castro on other issues.   Source: CNN Town Hall: 2020 presidential hopefuls

Howard Schultz on Cyber: (War & Peace Apr 4, 2019)
Strengthen NATO alliance to fight Russian cyber-attacks

NATO is the strongest and most successful military and political alliance in the history of the world. It helped contain and defeat the Soviet Union. It came to the defense of the United States in the wake of the September 11th, 2001, attacks. And it has led the international effort to secure and stabilize Afghanistan.

But President Trump has questioned this essential alliance. He has criticized it, and he has weakened it. This is a fundamental misunderstanding of America's role in the world. We must stand with our allies.

We must support the alliance's efforts to transition resources to the increasing threat from cyber attacks around the globe--most especially from Russia. NATO needs even more fortification to fight this growing menace, which may soon become the gravest threat facing the American people.

As NATO looks ahead to its next 70 years, the United States must continue to be a leader for peace and security. And we must do so in concert with our allies.

Click for Howard Schultz on other issues.   Source: 2020 Presidential Campaign website HowardSchultz.com

Seth Moulton on Cyber: (Homeland Security Mar 31, 2019)
Focus on cybersecurity to deal with real threats to US

National security is not just about preventing Russia from invading us with tanks into Western Europe. Russia is trying to hack our elections. China is attacking us through the Internet every single day and stealing our business ideas and our military -- that's where a lot of American jobs are going. Rather than build this fifth century ridiculous border wall on the southern border, let's talk about a cyber wall that will stop Russia and China from interfering in our business.
Click for Seth Moulton on other issues.   Source: CNN State of the Union 2019 on 2020 Presidential hopefuls

Andrew Yang on Cyber: (War & Peace Mar 19, 2019)
Repeal post-9/11 Authorization for Use of Military Force

Click for Andrew Yang on other issues.   Source: PBS News hour on 2020 Presidential hopefuls

Amy Klobuchar on Cyber: (Foreign Policy Feb 18, 2019)
Stand with our allies, invest in diplomacy

I believe that we must stand tall as a beacon of democracy, but I also believe that we must stand with our allies. We have to invest in diplomacy. The other thing I'd mention is modernizing our military. Cyber is the next arena for warfare.

So working with our allies, investing in diplomacy, modernizing our military, and then taking on those big challenges that are in front of us. I would list them as the Mideast, the challenge we have with climate change. And, of course, dealing with the nuclear threat that we have with North Korea as well as with Russia's continuing pushing at our country.

Click for Amy Klobuchar on other issues.   Source: CNN Town Hall: 2020 presidential hopefuls

Julian Castro on Cyber: (Homeland Security Feb 15, 2019)
Supported military expansion into cybersecurity

By 2011 the military's economic impact in the city was measured at $27.7 billion, larger than any other sector. After the US Cyber Command announced plans in 2009 to hire one thousand cyber experts, Castro co-signed a letter asking for them to be headquartered in the city. "San Antonio is producing the brainpower in the twenty-first century to defend our nation," he told a cybersecurity conference held by the St. Mary's University Center for Terrorism Law.
Click for Julian Castro on other issues.   Source: Jacobin Magazine on 2020 Democratic primary contenders

Kamala Harris on Cyber: (Technology Jan 8, 2019)
Cyber doctrine: when is a cyberattack an act of war?

In a world where tech can be weaponized, we need to deploy the very best technology in order to respond. And that means constantly upgrading our efforts so that we are always a step ahead.

We need to invest in the innovations and breakthroughs that we'll need in order to stay protected down the line. That's one of the reasons I've put forward a bill to invest in quantum computing, a frontier technology that would put the U.S. at the forefront of the race for technological superiority. Our pursuit of innovation cannot be viewed from an economic lens alone. It matters to national security, too. It's also one of the reasons I believe we must be a country that welcomes highly skilled students and professionals from around the world to study at our universities and work at our companies.

Ultimately, I believe we are going to need to develop a cyber doctrine. As a matter of principle, we will have to decide when and whether a cyberattack is an act of war, and what kind of response it warrants.

Click for Kamala Harris on other issues.   Source: The Truths We Hold, by Kamala Harris, p.242-3

Bernie Sanders on Cyber: (Government Reform Jul 22, 2018)
Russian cyber-attacks threaten integrity of US elections

Q: Trump has invited Vladimir Putin to the White House.

SANDERS: It makes me think that either Trump doesn't understand what Russia has done--not only to our elections, but through cyber-attacks against all parts of our infrastructure--or perhaps he is being blackmailed by Russia, because they may have compromising information about him. Or maybe he admires the kind of government that Putin is running in Russia. We have got to make sure that Russia does not interfere, not only in our elections, but in other aspects of our lives.

Q: How do you protect yourselves in the next race against something like that happening?

SANDERS: We need a president who is going to do everything to work with statewide officials all over this country to make sure that, when people cast a vote, that vote is going to count. Congress has allocated money to strengthen the protection of our electoral system. The president has got to be aggressive in implementing that. The integrity of American democracy is at stake.

Click for Bernie Sanders on other issues.   Source: CBS Face the Nation 2018 interviews of 2020 hopefuls

John Kasich on Cyber: (Technology Apr 5, 2017)
Create "cyber-range" for cybersecurity training

Ohio will bring innovation to its electric utilities infrastructure by encouraging technological and regulatory innovation. This will include implementing new, modern-day technologies such as smart meters and sensors to provide consumers more control over their electric usage.

To ensure that Ohio's government, education and research infrastructure is protected against outside threats, the governor's budget seeks to create a "cyber range"--a virtual environment used for cybersecurity training and IT infrastructure testing. This new, cloud-based testing and training environment will provide tools to help strengthen the stability, security and performance of cyber infrastructure used by state agencies, local governments, school systems and state universities. In addition, Ohio will work with the education and business community to develop a program to increase the number of students who pursue certificates or degrees in cyber security.

Click for John Kasich on other issues.   Source: 2017 Governor's press release, "Embracing Technology"

John Kasich on Cyber: (Technology Nov 1, 2016)
Develop capability to identify & destroy cyber-attackers

In Dec. 2015, Kasich called for a review of how intelligence agencies electronically monitor suspected terrorists, saying they should be able to quickly analyze telephone calling data to uncover planned attacks. This could entail requiring phone companies to retain customers' call metadata for longer periods, he said. Meanwhile, he said the US should "significantly tighten" background checks on visa applicants.

On cybersecurity, Kasich said the US must not only defend itself but also demonstrate that it has the capability "to identify and destroy" attacking systems. "We need to make cyber defense an integral component of our national security strategy," he said.

In Feb. 2016, he said he supported a federal court order that would require Apple to help the FBI unlock a terrorist suspect's iPhone: "I don't think it's an example of government overreach to say that we had terrorists here on our soil and we've got to understand more detail about who they may have been communicating wi

Click for John Kasich on other issues.   Source: Council on Foreign Relations on 2016 presidential hopefuls

Donald Trump on Cyber: (Foreign Policy Oct 19, 2016)
Condemn Russian & any country's involvement in our elections

Q: What about allegations of Russian involvement in this election?

TRUMP: I don't know Putin. He said nice things about me. If we got along well, that would be good. He has no respect for our president. He has no respect for [Hillary Clinton].

CLINTON: Well, that's because he'd rather have a puppet as president of the United States.

TRUMP: No puppet. You're the puppet!

CLINTON: It's pretty clear you won't admit that the Russians have engaged in cyberattacks against the United States of America, [but] we have 17 intelligence agencies, civilian and military, who have all concluded that these cyberattacks come from the highest levels of the Kremlin and they are designed to influence our election.

TRUMP: She has no idea whether it's Russia, China, or anybody else.

Q: Do you condemn any interference by Russia in the American election?

TRUMP: By Russia or anybody else. Let me tell you, Putin has outsmarted her and Obama at every single step of the way.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Third 2016 Presidential Debate, on Foreign Influences

Hillary Clinton on Cyber: (Government Reform Oct 19, 2016)
Unprecedented Russian interference in presidential election

Q: What about allegations of Russian involvement in this election?

TRUMP: I don't know Putin, but he has no respect for our president and no respect for [Hillary Clinton].

CLINTON: Well, that's because he'd rather have a puppet as president of the United States. It's pretty clear that the Russians have engaged in cyberattacks against the US, that you encouraged espionage against our people, that you are willing to spout the Putin line, break up NATO, do whatever he wants to do, and that you continue to get help from him, because he has a very clear favorite in this race. So I think that this is such an unprecedented situation. We've never had a foreign government trying to interfere in our election. We have 17 intelligence agencies who have all concluded that these cyberattacks, come from the highest levels of the Kremlin and they are designed to influence our election. I find that deeply disturbing.

TRUMP: She has no idea whether it's Russia, China, or anybody else.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Third 2016 Presidential Debate, moderated by Chris Wallace

Donald Trump on Cyber: (Technology Oct 9, 2016)
Proportional response to eliminate cyberattacks

Q: What steps will you take to protect vulnerable infrastructure and institutions from cyber attack, while protecting personal privacy on electronic devices and the internet?

TRUMP: The United States government should not spy on its own citizens. That will not happen in a Trump administration. As for protecting the Internet, any attack on the Internet should be considered a provocative act that requires the utmost in protection and, at a minimum, a proportional response that identifies and then eliminates threats to our Internet infrastructure.

CLINTON: I will make it clear that the United States will treat cyberattacks just like any other attack. We will be ready with serious political, economic and military responses and we will invest in protecting our governmental networks and national infrastructure.

JILL STEIN: Negotiate international treaty banning cyberwarfare; create a new UN agency tasked with identifying the sources of cyber attacks.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: ScienceDebate.org: 20 questions for 2016 presidential race

Hillary Clinton on Cyber: (Technology Oct 9, 2016)
Respond to cyberattacks economically & militarily

Q: What steps will you take to protect vulnerable infrastructure and institutions from cyber attack, while protecting personal privacy on electronic devices and the internet?

CLINTON: As President, I will fight to ensure that the Internet remains a space for free exchange, providing all people equal access to knowledge and ideas. While we must protect this exchange and the privacy of individuals, we must also invest in cybersecurity, which is not only essential to our national and economic security, but will become increasingly important as devices across sectors are networked. As president I will make it clear that the United States will treat cyberattacks just like any other attack. We will be ready with serious political, economic and military responses and we will invest in protecting our governmental networks and national infrastructure. I believe the United States should lead the world in setting the rules of cyberspace. If America doesn't, others will.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: ScienceDebate.org: 20 questions for 2016 presidential race

Mike Pence on Cyber: (Technology Oct 4, 2016)
Cyber-warfare is new tool of US enemies

We have got to bring together the best resources of this country to understand that cyber warfare is the new warfare of the enemies that we face in this country. I look forward if I'm privileged to be in this role of working with you in the Senate to make sure that we resource that effort.
Click for Mike Pence on other issues.   Source: 2016 Vice-Presidential Debate at Longwood University

Donald Trump on Cyber: (Technology Sep 26, 2016)
We invented Internet but ISIS is beating us at our own game

Q: How do we fight a cyber attack?

A: We should be better than anybody else, and perhaps we're not. I don't think anybody knows it was Russia that broke into the DNC. She's saying "Russia, Russia, Russia," but I don't. Maybe it was. I mean, it could be Russia, but it could also be China. It could also be lots of other people. It also could be somebody sitting on their bed that weighs 400 pounds, OK? We came up with the Internet, and Clinton and myself would agree very much, when you look at what ISIS is doing with the Internet, they're beating us at our own game. So we have to get very, very tough on cyber and cyber warfare. It is a huge problem. The security aspect of cyber is very, very tough. And maybe it's hardly doable. But I will say, we are not doing the job we should be doing. But that's true throughout our whole governmental society. We have so many things that we have to do better and certainly cyber is one of them.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: First 2016 Presidential Debate at Hofstra University

Hillary Clinton on Cyber: (Technology Sep 26, 2016)
Cyberwarfare will be greatest challenge for next president

Q: How do we fight a cyber attack?

A: I think cyber security & cyber warfare will be one of the biggest challenges facing the next president, because clearly we're facing at this point two different kinds of adversaries. There are the independent hacking groups that do it mostly for commercial reasons to try to steal information that they can use to make money. But increasingly, we are seeing cyber attacks coming from states. The most recent and troubling of these has been Russia.

Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: First 2016 Presidential Debate at Hofstra University

Donald Trump on Cyber: (War & Peace Sep 9, 2016)
Military and cyberwar to prevent ISIS genocide of Christians

ISIS is hunting down and exterminating what it calls the nation of the cross. ISIS is carrying out a genocide against Christians in the Middle East. We cannot let this evil continue--can't let it. ISIS must be destroyed--have to; have no choice.

To defeat ISIS, we must use military warfare, but also cyber warfare, financial warfare and ideological warfare. It's a whole different ballgame today than it was 50 years ago.

We must also establish an international goal with our allies of defeating radical Islamic terrorism--words that our president won't use and that Hillary Clinton won't use. Just like we won the Cold War by identifying our enemy and building a consensus to guide a long-term strategy, so too must we do the same with Islamic terrorism.

By the way, President Obama has allowed Syrian refugees to pour into our country at unbelievable rates, but it's almost impossible to get a Christian in from Syria. They take others, but they don't take Christians--very, very, very rare.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: 11th Annual Value Voters Summit - 2016

Ted Cruz on Cyber: (Technology Aug 6, 2015)
Of course China & Russia have conducted cyberwarfare on US

Q: In your view, have Russia and China committed cyber war, and if you were president, what would you do about it?

CRUZ: Well, of course they have, and over the last six and a half years we've seen the consequences of the Obama-Clinton foreign policy. Leading from behind is a disaster. We have abandoned and alienated our friends and allies, and our enemies are stronger. Radical Islam is on the rise; Iran's on the verge of acquiring a nuclear weapon; China is waging cyber warfare against America. General Soleimani, the Iranian general is the head of the al Quds forces and directly responsible for the murder of over 500 American servicemen in Iraq--part of this Iranian deal was lifting the international sanctions on General Soleimani. The day General Soleimani flew back from Moscow to Iran was the day we believed that Russia used cyber warfare against the Joint Chiefs. We need a new commander in chief that will stand up to our enemies, and that will have credibility.

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: Fox News/Facebook Top Ten First Tier debate transcript

Ted Cruz on Cyber: (Technology Jun 30, 2015)
We need serious tools to protect against cybercrime

By far my most interesting experience at DOJ was my brief but telling tutorial on U.S. -European relations. In 2001, I helped lead the U.S. delegation to Rome for the Council of Europe's negotiations on a treaty relating to cybercrime.

Ultimately, we finalized the terms of an important treaty on cybercrime, something that has become all the more important in our modern world. Whether it is the North Koreans hacking Sony to try to stop the release of a movie making fun of King Jong Un or ISIS hacking U.S Central Command's Twitter feed to spread Islamist propaganda, cyberattacks are becoming a greater and greater threat to our nation. And we will need serious tools, and cooperation with our allies, to protect ourselves going forward.

Click for Ted Cruz on other issues.   Source: A Time for Truth, by Ted Cruz, p.123-4

Barack Obama on Cyber: (Technology Jan 20, 2015)
Better meet the threat of cyberattacks

No foreign nation, no hacker, should be able to shut down our networks, steal our trade secrets, or invade the privacy of American families, especially our kids. We are making sure our government integrates intelligence to combat cyber threats, just as we have done to combat terrorism. And tonight, I urge this Congress to finally pass the legislation we need to better meet the evolving threat of cyber-attacks, combat identity theft, and protect our children's information.
Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2015 State of the Union address

Kirsten Gillibrand on Cyber: (Homeland Security Nov 17, 2014)
Form National Guard Cyber Protection Team

U.S. Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Menendez, and Booker announced their support for the New York and New Jersey Army National Guards' formation of a combined Cyber Protection Team. In a letter to the Army National Guard's Acting Director, the senators urged allowing the NY and NJ Army National Guards to form a joint team focused on addressing the growing cyber security threats. This new team would leverage their existing relationships with the Department of Homeland Security and their extensive training, to focus on combatting increasing cyber security threats to the region's critical infrastructure and networks.

Currently, state Army National Guard units throughout the country are competing to form ten multi-state Cyber Protection Teams as part of the Army's efforts to build up its cyber capabilities. Senator Gillibrand introduced the Cyber Warrior Bill in 2013, which called for the creation of a National Guard Cyber and Computer Network Incident Response Team in each state.

Click for Kirsten Gillibrand on other issues.   Source: 2014 press release from 4 Senators to Army National Guard

Cory Booker on Cyber: (Homeland Security Nov 17, 2014)
Form National Guard Cyber Protection Team

U.S. Senators Gillibrand, Schumer, Menendez, and Booker announced their support for the New York and New Jersey Army National Guards' formation of a combined Cyber Protection Team. In a letter to the Army National Guard's Acting Director, the senators urged allowing the NY and NJ Army National Guards to form a joint team focused on addressing the growing cyber security threats. This new team would leverage their existing relationships with the Department of Homeland Security and their extensive training, to focus on combatting increasing cyber security threats to the region's critical infrastructure and networks.

"Technological innovations have greatly enhanced the lives of all Americans, however these advancements also bring unique cyber threats and challenges that we must collectively be prepared to face," said Senator Booker. "The NY and NJ National Guard have the expertise and knowledge to help tackle the serious regional cyber threats to our critical infrastructure we face today."

Click for Cory Booker on other issues.   Source: 2014 press release from 4 Senators to Army National Guard

Hillary Clinton on Cyber: (Foreign Policy May 25, 2014)
Distinguish inherited problems from new ones & opportunities

As Secretary of State I thought of our choices and challenges in three categories: The problems we inherited, including two wars and a global financial crisis; the new, often unexpected events and emerging threats, from the shifting sands of the Middle East to the turbulent waters of the Pacific to the uncharted terrain of cyberspace; and the opportunities presented by an increasingly networked world that could help lay the foundation for American prosperity and leadership in the 21st century.
Click for Hillary Clinton on other issues.   Source: Hard Choices, by Hillary Clinton, pre-release excerpts

Cory Booker on Cyber: (Technology Nov 3, 2013)
Protect critical infrastructure from cyberattack

America's critical infrastructure--our power plants, oil pipelines, and water systems--are at serious risk of cyber attack. The vast majority of this critical infrastructure is privately owned. Yet today, if a major cyber attack took place on a telecom company or financial institution, that company wouldn't even know who to call to report it.

We need new ways to protect the computer-connected systems that keep lights on and banks open. Years ago we decided that physical security--fences and cameras -- around sensitive sites like power plants was essential. Yet there is no requirement, or even voluntary standard, for putting virtual fences around the computers that run these facilities.

When critical infrastructure is attacked or essential data is stolen, companies need a clear way to report it to civilian authorities so that government has a picture of the threats and other companies can protect themselves from similar attacks.

Click for Cory Booker on other issues.   Source: 2013-2014 New Jersey Senate campaign web CoryBooker.com

Cory Booker on Cyber: (Homeland Security Oct 14, 2013)
Public oversight needed for NSA domestic spying

Both Booker and Lonegan, on their campaign websites, offer their views on a range of foreign policy issues. Booker calls for boosting cyber security, asserting that New Jersey's power plants, oil pipelines and water systems remain vulnerable to a terrorist attack. Lonegan supports ending the surveillance of US citizens via the National Security Agency, which he has made a central campaign issue.

Booker has been less vocal on that topic, but says on his website that "we failed as a nation to thoroughly debate and create public oversight before this highly-questionable data collection began."

Lonegan opposes any United Nations treaties that would undercut U.S. sovereignty. Booker casts environmentalism in a national security context in endorsing further development of clean energy sources. He asserts that the U.S. is sending billions of dollars overseas to obtain oil, which ends up aiding terrorist groups and hostile regimes.

Click for Cory Booker on other issues.   Source: WHYY NewsWorks.org on 2014 New Jersey Senate race

Barack Obama on Cyber: (Technology Feb 12, 2013)
Cyber-attacks are real threats to security and economy

America must also face the rapidly growing threat from cyber-attacks. We know hackers steal people's identities and infiltrate private e-mail. We know foreign countries and companies swipe our corporate secrets. Now our enemies are also seeking the ability to sabotage our power grid, our financial institutions, and our air traffic control systems. We cannot look back years from now and wonder why we did nothing in the face of real threats to our security and our economy.

That's why, earlier today, I signed a new executive order that will strengthen our cyber defenses by increasing information sharing, and developing standards to protect our national security, our jobs, and our privacy. Now, Congress must act as well, by passing legislation to give our government a greater capacity to secure our networks and deter attacks.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: 2013 State of the Union Address

Nikki Haley on Cyber: (Technology Jan 16, 2013)
More cybersecurity against international criminal hacking

Plenty has been said and written about the international criminal hacking that took place at DOR--I'm not here to rehash that or to look backwards, except to say this: when it comes to data security, the state of South Carolina should have done better in the past and will do better in the future.

That does not mean that we will be 100% protected. The toughest lesson I have learned is that in today's world there is no such thing as absolute security. That is true for conventional terrorism and homeland security threats, and it is true for cyberterrorism and cybersecurity threats. It's a hard reality, but reality nonetheless.

What it does mean is that we will do everything we can to make sure that no state in the country has better security measures in place than we do. We are encrypting all personal and sensitive data. We are segmenting our networks to make sure that our most sensitive information is protected separately and securely.

Click for Nikki Haley on other issues.   Source: 2013 State of the State address to S. C. Legislature

Barack Obama on Cyber: (Technology Oct 22, 2012)
Military needs to think about space and cybersecurity

OBAMA: When it comes to our military, what we have to think about is not just budgets, we got to think about capabilities. We need to be thinking about cybersecurity. We need to be thinking about space. That's exactly what our budget does, but it's driven by strategy. It's not driven by politics. It's not driven by members of Congress and what they would like to see. It's driven by what are we going to need to keep the American people safe? That's exactly what our budget does. And it also then allows us to reduce our deficit, which is a significant national security concern because we've got to make sure that our economy is strong at home so that we can project military power overseas.

ROMNEY: Our Navy is smaller now than any time since 1917. The Navy said they needed 313 ships to carry out their mission. We're now down to 285. We're headed down to the low 200s if we go through with sequestration. That's unacceptable to me. I want to make sure that we have the ships that are required.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: Third Obama-Romney 2012 Presidential debate

Barack Obama on Cyber: (Technology Sep 4, 2012)
Free and open Internet is essential to modern economy

Q: The Internet plays a central role in both our economy and our society. What role, if any, should the federal government play in managing the Internet to ensure its robust social, scientific, and economic role?

A: A free and open Internet is essential component of American society and of the modern economy. I support legislation to protect intellectual property online, but any effort to combat online piracy must not reduce freedom of expression, increase cybersecurity risk, or undermine the dynamic, innovative global Internet. I also believe it is essential that we take steps to strengthen our cybersecurity and ensure that we are guarding against threats to our vital information systems and critical infrastructure, all while preserving Americans' privacy, data confidentiality, and civil liberties and recognizing the civilian nature of cyberspace.

Click for Barack Obama on other issues.   Source: The Top American Science Questions, by sciencedebate.org

Donald Trump on Cyber: (Technology Dec 5, 2011)
China threatens US with cyber warfare & industrial espionage

Where do you think Communist Chinese President Hu Jintao plans to direct most of China's educational and economic edge? That's right, the military and weapons industries.

What China is doing on the cyber warfare front is equally alarming. Cyber spying can isolate network weaknesses and allow the Chinese to steal valuable intelligence.

China presents three big threats to the United States in its outrageous currency manipulation, its systematic attempt to destroy our manufacturing base, and its industrial espionage and cyber warfare against America. The Chinese have been running roughshod over us for years. Obama claims we can't do what's in our interests because it might spark a "trade war"--as if we're not in one now.

Click for Donald Trump on other issues.   Source: Time to Get Tough, by Donald Trump, p. 32-33

Julian Castro on Cyber: (Jobs Jan 8, 2010)
2009: Convened San Antonio Job Summit

On December 16, 2009, Mayor Julian Castro convened the 2009 San Antonio Job Summit, a half-day forum bringing together key stakeholders in the community. More than 100 leaders from the business and public sectors joined to provide answers to questions posed by President Obama's Forum on Jobs and Economic Development. The stakeholders represented the following economic sectors: manufacturing, aviation, technology, cyber security, government, insurance, utilities, communication, non-profit, education, small and micro-business, hospitality, labor, and local Chambers of Commerce. After presentations by Mayor Castro and a local economist on the state of the national, regional, and local economies, attendees were divided into 12 roundtable discussions. Conclusions on Federal Policy Implications include that the federal government should enact policies that encourage the resumption of lending nationwide.
Click for Julian Castro on other issues.   Source: City of San Antonio Mayoral press release, "Job Summit"

Julian Castro on Cyber: (Technology Jan 8, 2010)
Investments in mass transit could stimulate job creation