Cybercriminals around the globe regularly target political agencies in the U.S. The inherent confidentiality and value of the information partly contribute to the frequency of these data breaches. However, the attacks can also be viewed as a form of dissent against the world’s most powerful government, which also happens to suffer from an underdeveloped security infrastructure. All of these details amount to a developing trend – in the eyes of hackers, political departments are ripe for the picking.
“The ramifications of data breaches against political agencies have been broad and costly.”
The ramifications of data breaches against political agencies have been broad and costly. However, legislators are beginning to work toward effective solutions that can help counter the threats. Data encryption and decentralization via colocation solutions can serve as valuable methods of security. But neither can approach the quality of biometric technology offered by Digitus.
Biometric security uses fingerprint readers and vocal recognition to ensure that only the right employees can gain access to a data center. It is one of the most competent forms of protection on the market. And as political entities continue to reshape their approaches to cybersecurity, biometrics should play a key role.
Defense secretary seeks help from Silicon Valley
Defense Secretary Ashton Carter recently spent time in Silicon Valley, California, to discuss the Pentagon’s security efforts and tap into the vast pool of local tech talent, according to The New York Times.
Many tech professionals view encryption as a viable approach, but a growing number of critics believe that it could too easily expose vital data, the news outlet noted. Biometric security, however, has a bulletproof track record.
“The amount of information that intelligence officials are collecting – even if some sources go dark – is dramatically more than it has been in history,” said Paul Kocher, a cryptographer, according to the news outlet. “The idea that we need to stop rolling out technology to keep our industries and businesses safe, to keep a few sources from going dark, is certainly not a trade-off.”
Security executive denounces government security
Amit Yoran, president of security firm RSA, recently spoke with IDG News Service about the widespread lack of tech awareness in the political sphere. He told the news outlet that without the know-how, political entities will not be able to protect themselves from external threats.
“I don’t see how you can have any government entity take an operational role in defending the networks themselves,” Yoran said.
Biometric technology can bridge the divide between well-versed tech professionals and beginners in the political world by closely monitoring access control at all hours of the day.