DHS Warns Bureaucracy is Hindering Victim Reporting of Cyberattacks, Seeks Streamlining

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is recommending a more efficient way for victims to report cyberattacks. Currently, victims have to navigate through several different agencies to report incidents. In a new report, a DHS task force suggests creating a single portal for reporting cyber incidents, in order to streamline the process.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas stated that these recommendations aim to enhance the government’s understanding of digital attacks and provide better assistance to victims. According to the report, the current system creates unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles that hinder those affected by cyberattacks.

Many agencies have their own incident reporting portals, or still rely on email or phone systems to report incidents. These inconsistent approaches not only cause difficulties for federal officials but also for victims trying to recover from cyberattacks.

Robert Silvers, the DHS undersecretary for policy, emphasized the need for federal agencies to obtain the necessary information without burdening victim companies. Silvers stated that victim companies should be able to focus on responding to incidents and taking care of their customers.

Other recommendations in the report include defining which cyber problems require reporting and establishing a timeline for disclosing information. DHS believes that these recommendations will improve the understanding of the cyber threat landscape, aid in the recovery process for victims, and prevent future attacks.

The report acknowledges that procedural and funding issues have been obstacles to implementing these solutions. However, DHS emphasizes the importance of overcoming these challenges to create a more effective and efficient cyber incident reporting process.