Monday, June 1, 2009

What's Next For Obama's Cyber Strategy?

TechCentral's latest Issue Of The Week reports...

Now that the results of President Obama's cybersecurity review are out, the focus has shifted to the yet-unnamed White House cyber czar who will carry out five broad goals: developing a comprehensive strategy to secure networks; coordinating with states and cities to respond to any future attacks; strengthening coordination between the government and the private sector; ramping up government investments in research and development; and launching a national campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness while building a digital workforce for the 21st century. It is a tall order, but experts on Capitol Hill, at think tanks and within industry are willing to assist.

Senate Commerce Chairman John (Jay) Rockefeller and Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, introduced a bill before the administration's 60-day review was completed, and more are expected since multiple committees share jurisdiction over the issue. The Rockefeller-Snowe bill and the administration report both call for the cyber czar post, increased federal research and development, and enhanced public-private partnerships. The senators issued a statement Friday urging Obama to give his cyber chief "the heft and authority the position requires."

Not everyone was as keen on the position. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ranking member Susan Collins said the appointment of another White House czar will hinder congressional oversight and do little to resolve bureaucratic conflicts, turf battles, and confusing lines of authority. High-level coordination is not enough, she said in a statement: "Securing critical systems will require effective day-to-day management, including the authority to recommend best practices, modify information technology procurement standards, coordinate action to prevent and mitigate vulnerabilities, encourage innovation, and, when necessary, enforce compliance."

Read the full Issue Of The Week feature here. Read additional perspectives about Obama's cyber czar in Monday's CongressDaily PM Edition here (subscription required).