As Congress gavels back into session this fall, bipartisan members in both the House and Senate are turning their technology policy focus to cybersecurity and creating legislation to crack down on cyber threats. Key Representatives are lining up a series of bills that address multiple issues, including stronger punishment of cybercrimes, Department of Homeland Security oversight of critical infrastructure and incentives for private companies to adopt cybersecurity best practices. On the other side of the Hill, Senators from several committees are working on a comprehensive cybersecurity bill.

The administration is also urging for increased punishment for cybersecurity crimes. The Associate Deputy Attorney General and Secret Service Deputy Special Agent in Charge testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss the portion of the White House's cybersecurity proposal that calls for stricter penalties for cyber crimes as part of an update to the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. Both officials agreed that increasing punishment is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of both the public and private sectors.