FCC Wasted $10 Million On Failed Cybersecurity Upgrades

 

 

 



After it’s computers were breached in September of 2011 the Federal Communications Commission was given $10 million to upgrade cybersecurity. Unfortunately, all of that money went to waste, according to a new GAO report.

But more than a year and $10 million later, investigators found the agency is back at square one. In fact, the security improvements the FCC had taken were largely useless, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office, Congress’ watchdog arm.
“FCC’s information remained at unnecessary risk of inadvertent or deliberate misuse, improper disclosure, or destruction. Further, addressing these deficiencies could require costly and time consuming rework,” the report said.
…
It also has taken a high-profile role in cybersecurity, creating a special office to communicate threats and solutions to the public and offering small businesses advice on how to repel attacks.
Hacking attempts on government computers are up 780 percent over the past six years, according to GAO. So when FCC security was breached, the agency started the Enhanced Secured Network (ESN) project to protect it’s computers, and the White House Office of Management and Budget authorized it to spend $10 million on the improvements.
Investigators, however, found that little had been improved, mostly because FCC officials weren’t sure what they needed in cybersecurity improvements. (Read More)

This level of incompetence is pretty much what we’ve all come to expect from the federal government these days. Good grief.