Upton, Young call for cybersecurity strategy amid massive attack

After a major web service provider suffered recent cyberattacks that left popular websites unreachable, U.S. Reps. Fred Upton (R-MI) and David Young (R-IA) highlighted the importance of strong cyber protections.

Web service provider Dynamic Network Services, known as Dyn, had its computers flooded with junk data that blocked legitimate users from accessing its websites in a distributed denial-of-service attack, The Wall Street Journal reports.

“These ongoing attacks are cause for serious concern as they directly disrupt the well-being of online businesses and consumers browsing the internet,” Upton, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said. “We’re closely monitoring the situation and will continue exploring strategies and developing protections to mitigate the impact these types of attacks have on our networks.”

The cyberattack last week left 1,200 web domains inaccessible, including popular social media, e-commerce and streaming sites Twitter, PayPal and Netflix.

Young, the founder of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force to Combat Identity Theft and Fraud, said it’s critical to prioritize cybersecurity as part of a comprehensive national security strategy.

“As details of this incident unfold, we will develop a better understanding of the situation and how to address it going forward,” Young said. “It is important we remain informed and aware — to keep our businesses, cyber infrastructure and all Americans protected from potential future threats.”