(BIVN) – The Senate Armed Services Committee held a hearing (Roles and Responsibilities for Defending the Nation from Cyber Attack) on Thursday, which means Hawaii’s Democratic Senator Mazie Hirono, who sits on the committee, had a chance to question witnesses.

Participating in the hearing were:

• Kenneth Rapuano – Assistant Secretary Of Defense For Homeland Defense And Global Security, Department Of Defense
• Scott Smith – Assistant Director For The Cyber Division, Federal Bureau Of Investigation
• Christopher Krebs – Performing The Duties Of The Under Secretary For The National Protection And Programs Directorate, Department Of Homeland Security

“As we continue to face cybersecurity threats, it’s critical that we increase data protection,” said Senator Hirono, who questioned Rapuano on how the Department is helping defense contractors comply with heightened requirements to ensure sensitive information is protected. “I will continue to work with the Department of Defense to ensure that contractors in Hawaii, especially small businesses, have enough information and time to meet the new requirements,” which go into effect on December 31, 2017, Hirono said.

Rapuano told Hirono that he will provide information on how the Department of Defense is notifying contractors of the new requirements to ensure that the measures are sufficient to reach all defense contractors affected, according to Hirono.

The Senator from Hawaii also pressed Acting Department of Homeland Security Undersecretary for the National Protection and Programs Directorate Christopher Krebs on actions the administration is taking to prevent foreign interference in our elections.