Will budget get boost?

President Bush has proposed a much needed increase in funding for federal cybersecurity efforts . The proposed budget comes in the wake of the budget requests submitted by federal agencies. Up 9.8 percent from last year, that budget would mean a whopping 73% increase from 2004. But nevertheless, most of us in IT would like to see all the agencies get at least some added funds. Divvying up the dollars is going to be a challenge.

The Transportation Department is seeking the greatest increase, 129.7 percent - of which they earmarked $765 million for cybersecurity. While we may find increased security inconvenient when we travel, maybe we'll be able to see those funds put to work by streamlining cybersecurity practices in the DOT.
 
The Office of Management and Budget issued reports that five agencies (not including the Defense Department which is still under audit) rated unsatisfactory in their cybersecurity efforts. The agencies are Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, and of course, the Veterans Affairs, which has seen more than its share of IT troubles. I'd like to see them get their funding and then put it to use wisely to transform their existing, lacking IT operations.

Interestingly, these budget proposals are separate from the Department of Homeland Security budget. This Govexec.com article "Bush administration proposes $7.3 billion for IT security" points out that U.S. cybersecurity will be boosted by $294 million in cross-government cybersecurity efforts, particularly in the launching of the "Einstein system, an automated process for collecting and analyzing computer security information across civilian agencies to protect against cyberthreats and intrusions."