The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) received a $1.8B infusion aimed at protecting against cyberattacks and safeguarding critical infrastructure, according to The Hill.
On Thursday, The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Homeland Security unanimously approved a spending bill providing the funds – $120.5 million above its budget for 2016 – earmarked for the National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), the DHS sector in charge of protecting and enhancing the nation's physical and cyber infrastructure.
“Hacking and cyberattacks have already cost the federal government billions of taxpayer dollars, and have exposed the personal information of thousands of Americans,” the committee reportedly stated.
Most of the funds are allocated for civilian government networks (.gov sites), mitigating foreign incursions and upgrading emergency communications.
Additional funds will also be assisting in the cybercrime efforts of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Secret Service.
