A task force formed by the Information Technology Industry Council has made several recommendations about how the U.S. government can improve its cybersecurity in the wake of a data breach that resulted in the theft of personal information on millions of people.

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management reported in July that hackers had accessed detailed data on more than 21 million current and former federal employees and contractors. The resulting scandal led to the resignation of OPM Director Katherine Archuleta.

After details of the cyberattack became known, ITI's IT Alliance for the Public Sector brought together three dozen individuals from 19 technology companies to brainstorm ways the government could better secure its data. They generated a 13-page list of recommendations ranging from ideas for better planning to better training and education for federal employees.

"These are cybersecurity experts with extensive experience in the technology and public sectors," said Trey Hodgkins, ITI's senior vice president for the public sector. "Working diligently, the task force identified steps the government can take immediately and in the months ahead to improve their cybersecurity posture and strengthen the networks our government relies upon."

The recommendations have been forwarded to the White House.

"Now more than ever, information and technology are critical to how the government functions and cybersecurity can no longer be viewed as an isolated issue. It should be a top priority government wide," Hodgkins said. http://bit.ly/1UlESQ2

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