[Infowarrior] - Hill hosting a cyberscare demonstration today

[Richard Forno]

OVERNIGHT TECH: Senators to attend cybersecurity demonstration

By Brendan Sasso	 - 06/12/12 06:16 PM ET

http://thehill.com/blogs/hillicon-valley/technology/232397-overnight-tech-senators-to-attend-cybersecurity-demonstration

The Lead: Sens. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) will host a cybersecurity demonstration on Wednesday morning showing hackers' methods and ways to defend against them.

Homeland Security Department officials will conduct two demonstrations: one for senators and one for members of the media. 

The sessions are part of a push for cybersecurity legislation. Lieberman and Collins, the top lawmakers on the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, are the lead sponsors of a bill that would empower the Homeland Security Department to set mandatory standards for critical infrastructure systems such as electrical grids and gas pipelines.

Supporters of the legislation say the standards are necessary to protect vital systems from attack, but many Republicans, including Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), say the standards would unnecessarily burden businesses. 

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told The Hill on Tuesday that he is working with Sens. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) and Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) to develop a compromise proposal.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said in a speech on the Senate floor on Tuesday that he will bring the legislation to the floor "at the earliest possible date."