FEC wants millions in new cash to fix security woes

The Federal Election Commission is asking Congress for nearly $3 million to address what it says are serious security breaches and an obsolete IT system. The requests follow an investigation by the Center for Public Integrity that in December revealed Chinese hackers infiltrated the agency’s computer systems.

Among the FEC’s requests contained in a 41-page budget request it submitted to Capitol Hill:

• $1.51 million for “IT security enhancement.”
• $650,000 for “cyber security related hardware.”
• $522,000 for implementation of a “trusted Internet connection.”
• $178,000 for “website incursion prevention and detection.”
• $130,000 for a staff member “dedicated to IT security.” The FEC is also asking for $545,000 dedicated to filling “critical vacancies.”

The agency has reduced its workforce by 8 percent since 2010, and during fiscal year 2013, left empty 19 of 24 vacant positions.

[March 7]