*By Carlo Versano* Most large corporations now employ a CIO, or chief information officer, who is charged with protecting and running the company's digital infrastructure. Is it time for the federal government to hire its own CIO? Rep. Will Hurd (R-Tex.) thinks so. He told Cheddar Friday that the spate of major data breaches ー even though they happen primarily at private companies ー warrants a federal czar to help protect consumers and potentially even levy penalties on companies that don't do enough to safeguard users' information. Hurd noted that the vast majority of data breaches are made possible because some piece of software hasn't been patched, or permissions weren't properly secured. Typically, they're not sophisticated hacks. He thinks a "national breach standard" would help codify the processes for preventing these types of vulnerabilities. "We're not following good, basic hygiene" with our data, Hurd said. In addition, a tech czar would oversee the protection of the federal government's data, as well as cross-agency IT issues and would have the ability to audit agencies on their technology spending and help cut waste, Hurd said. Hurd is one of just three members of Congress with a degree in computer science. But he said the importance of cybersecurity is at the forefront of many members' minds, even if they don't have the technical expertise to draft a bill. That's why he's doing it himself. "Recognizing there's a problem is important," he said. Cybersecurity and data protection is one of the few truly "non-partisan" issues on the Hill, according to Hurd. Hurd represents Texas' 23rd district, an 800-mile stretch from San Antonio to El Paso that includes more border-adjacent land than any other district in the country. He said technology could also help provide a solution to the border wall fight that has crippled the government. Specifically, he proposes a "smart wall" ー a combination of manpower and technology ー rather than a physical barrier. For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/rep-will-hurd-r-tx-wants-to-protect-americans-from-the-next-breach).

Share:
More In Politics
FIFA Kicks Russia Out of 2022 World Cup
Add FIFA to the list of organizations announcing a break with Russia. The world soccer authority has suspended the nation from competing in the 2022 World Cup tournament, while the NHL also announced suspending business relations with Russia. Executive editor and senior writer at Sports Illustrated, Jon Wertheim, joined Cheddar News to discuss the rebukes. "I think a big element of this is, this is a way to really hit at Putin because we know how much this appearance of strength and the victory… often portrayed through sports, how much that means to him," he said. "This will bother him in a way that it might not bother other world leaders."
Oil Could Hit $140 a Barrel Amid Russia-Ukraine Crisis
Prices at the pump have escalated severely during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Paul Christopher, head of global market strategy, Wells Fargo Investment Institute, joined Cheddar News to explain how he sees the gas prices continuing to spiral despite the International Energy Agency announcing the release of 60 million barrels of oil from the strategic reserves of 31 countries. "We think you could see oil and gas prices continue to rise. Oil prices maybe could hit $140 a barrel. That's possible. And that would add another 50-60 cents on top of the gasoline prices you already have," he said.
President Biden Set to Give First State of the Union Address Amid Russia Crisis, Inflation
President Joe Biden is set to give his first State of the Union address amid both international and domestic crises: the Russia-Ukraine conflict and continued rising inflation and economic worries at home. He's expected to focus on a four-point plan to reduce everyday costs, and promote economic competition, among other key tenets. But will it be enough to persuade Americans that his administration will be able to get rising prices and foreign policy moves under control? Eugene Scott, national politics reporter at The Washington Post, joins Closing Bell to discuss Biden's expected focus, how he will aim to ease Americans' concerns, and more.
Airbnb.org Pledges to Provide Housing for Ukrainian Refugees
Airbnb.org has announced that it will provide up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees with free housing. Airbnb.org is the philanthropic branch of Airbnb that provides free housing for those affected by disasters. Joe Gebbia, co-founder and chairman of Airbnb.org, joined Cheddar News to talk about how the company has helped thousands find shelter in times of crisis. "A lot of people are saying this conflict is likely to be the largest humanitarian crisis since World War II, and I believe Airbnb believes that companies have a responsibility to step up and to help out in times like these," he said.
Nations Agree to Release 60M Barrels of Oil Amid Russian War
The International Energy Agency’s 31 member countries have agreed to release 60 million barrels of oil from their strategic reserves “to send a strong message to oil markets” that supplies won’t fall short after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Why State Districts Are Purposefully Strange Shapes
Every ten years, there’s a census. That decennial count is long and tedious and arduous…and important. Because it confirms who lives where so the Federal Government properly allocates resources, so services go to the places that need them most and - yes - so states gain or lose seats in congress and have the opportunity to redraw all their state and Congressional lines. That means, every 10 years, states start what has famously been one of the most partisan and divisive processes in politics. Because one strategic line can mean the difference in party control in not just the state legislatures but also in congress. Cheddar explains how gerrymandering works and why it exists.
Load More