By Laurel Brishel Prichard University of New Mexico/ Talk Radio News Service Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated Thursday morning before the House Appropriations Committee that for the first time in the Department's short history, cyber security has held a prominent position in the budget's review process. The proposed budget would give a total of $379 million for the National Cyber Security Division. The funds would allow for the direct hiring of over one thousand cyber security experts. “DHS analyzes and reduces cyber threats and vulnerabilities, distributes threat warnings, coordinates the response to cyber incidents and works with the private sector and our state, local, international and private sector partners to ensure that our computers, networks and cyber systems remain safe,” according to a statement released by Napolitano. I