Cyber takes back seat to immigration in global threats hearing

Despite overwhelming focus on the Department of Homeland Security’s handling of immigration enforcement, a Thursday hearing on worldwide threats targeting the U.S. did feature some insights into the biggest cybersecurity challenges facing the nation.

DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent and FBI National Security Branch operations chief Michael Glasheen testified before the House Homeland Security Committee in the annual hearing meant to discuss terrorism, cybersecurity, drones and other matters that concern Americans’ security.

Kent said that the counterterrorism center is tracking the proliferation of encrypted messaging apps being used by terrorist proxy groups in the Middle East, as well as internet campaigns to spread propaganda online.

Read more at NextGov/FCW