Federal government gets 'D' in cyber security.

• Author: Fein, Geoff S.
• Position: Security Beat

The House Government Reform Committee gave the federal government a "D" for its efforts to implement cyber security measures. Although the members issued a grade of "barely passing," it was an improvement from last year's failing grade.

Of the 24 agencies examined in 2003, 14 received grades below a "C," while eight others, including the Department of Homeland Security, failed. The Social Security Administration and the Department of Labor received a "B+" and "B" respectively; the National Science Foundation received an "A-" and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission earned an "A," according to Rep. Adam Putnam, R-Fla., chairman of the committee.

Besides the DHS, the Departments of Health and Human Services, Interior, State, Justice, Energy, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development also received a failing grade.

For the Agriculture, Interior and Justice Departments, this marks the third year in a row they have received a failing grade in computer security.

NASA and the Office of Personnel Management both received a "D-." The Defense Department, the General Services Administration and the Treasury Dept. all received "Ds." The Dept. of Tansportation received a "D+."

This is the...