Many agencies lack specific policies related to security, privacy and other risks associated with IoT. Image: metamorworks/Shutterstock.com
The chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., has told OMB that it’s time to complete a review of agency policies required under the 2020 Internet of Things Cybersecurity Act to ensure they are consistent with the National Institute of Standards and Technology cybersecurity guidelines.
“I acknowledge that the law has far-reaching impacts across the federal government, which may require extensive interagency coordination, but I believe that IoT cybersecurity is of critical importance to our national security,” Warner wrote. “I am disappointed to see that OMB has not yet fulfilled its obligation to ensure that IoT devices procured by the federal government meet the NIST guidance.”
He said that while OMB has taken steps such as inclusion of information on the IoT Cybersecurity waiver process in Federal Information Security Management Act guidance, “I am concerned by the pace that OMB has taken to meet its statutory obligations under federal law.”
He asked for information on where the review process stands; what OMB has done to ensure agency policies and principles are consistent with the NIST standards and guidelines and to address security vulnerabilities of information systems; which agencies have or haven’t aligned with NIST standards; and information regarding waivers OMB has granted.
In passing the law, Congress intended “to harness the purchasing power of the federal government and incentivize companies to finally secure the devices they create and sell,” Warners said added.
The law was enacted following a GAO report that year finding that most federal agencies are connected in some way to the Internet of Things for purposes such as controlling or monitoring equipment or systems; controlling access to devices or facilities; or tracking physical assets. While use of that technology is continuing to grow, many agencies do not have specific policies related to security, privacy and other risks associated with it, GAO said.
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