The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal agencies to bolster the security of their computer networks as the number of cyberattacks across the world continues to climb.
Fifth Domain reported that DHS directed agencies to utilize the program STARTTLS to help prevent cyber intrusions on networks.
The order comes via a binding operational directive (BOD), which mandates that all federal agencies must comply.
The order also dictates that other network security tools be implemented at the agency level.
Each federal agency is now required to file an "Agency Plan of Action for BOD 18-01" within 30 days of the order being issued. Once that is approved, agencies can begin to implement changes.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity Jeanette Manfra spoke at an event in New York Monday and said the cybersecurity order contains "discrete steps that have scalable, broad impact" at preventing cyberattacks on government computers and networks.
Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said in a statement the directive contains "two cheap, effective ways to secure email from being intercepted or impersonated by bad guys."
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
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