Cybersecurity: Implementation of Executive Order Requirements Is Essential to Address Key Actions

Federal agencies are dependent on IT systems and electronic data to carry out operations and to process, maintain, and report essential information. Virtually all federal operations are supported by computer systems and electronic data, and agencies would find it difficult, if not impossible, to carry out their missions and account for their resources without these information assets.

Therefore, the security of these systems and data is vital to public confidence and the nation’s safety, prosperity, and well-being. Without proper safeguards, computer systems are vulnerable to individuals and groups with malicious intent who can intrude and use their access to, among other things, obtain sensitive information, commit fraud and identity theft, disrupt operations, or launch attacks against other computer systems and networks.