Y2K repair efforts have magnified the need for further government computer security efforts that should be federally funded, Y2K czar John Koskinen said Friday.
"We have to continue to reinforce the importance of the issue," he said at a Federal Reserve Board workshop on computer security.
Koskinen said that the emergency fund Congress approved for federal Y2K repairs was essential, and that lawmakers should continue to focus on technology needs after the 2000 date change happens.
"The emergency fund was clearly a major part of our ability to get things done," he said. "My hope is it would be included in the budget process."
Koskinen said that about $250 million would be left over from the $3.35 billion Congress approved last year for emergency Y2K fixes. He said he would work with the Office of Management and Budget to ensure federal agencies can tap into the remaining funds to fix unforeseen Y2K problems after the date change.
"If there are unexpected problems, we will be able to use the funds," he said.
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