Obama to appoint “cyber czar”

WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Barack Obama is calling digital security a top priority, whether it's guarding the computer systems that keep the lights on in the city and direct airliners to the right runway, or those protecting customers who pay their bills online.

To oversee an enhanced security system for the nation's computer networks, Obama is creating a "cyber czar" as part of a long-awaited plan stemming from a review he ordered shortly after taking office.

Obama has laid out broad goals for dealing with cyber-threats while depicting the U.S. as a digital nation that needs to provide the education required to keep pace with technology and attract and retain a cyber-savvy workforce. He also has called for a new education campaign to raise public awareness of the challenges and threats related to cyber-security.

The review, however, will not dictate how the government or private industry should tighten digital defenses. Critics say the cyber-czar will not have sufficient budgetary and policy-making authority over securing computer systems and spending.

Officials familiar with the discussions say the cyber czar would be a special assistant to the president and would be supported by a new cyber-directorate within the National Security Council. The cyber czar would also work with the National Economic Council, said the officials, who described the plan on condition of anonymity because it had not been publicly released at that time.

The special assistant title is not as high in the White House hierarchy as some officials wanted it to be. It would not give the czar direct, unfettered access to the president. Instead, the official would report to senior NSC officials – a situation many say will make it difficult to make major changes within the calcified federal bureaucracy.

Government and military officials have acknowledged that U.S. computer networks are constantly assailed by attacks and scans, ranging from nuisance hacking to more nefarious probes and attacks. Some suggest that the actions at times are a form of cyber espionage from other nations, such as China.

Obama is not expected to announce who will get the job during the unveiling of the review, according to an administration official who spoke on condition of anonymity because the selection process is ongoing. Other officials close to the issue say a handful of experts – both in and out of government – are under consideration.

Related News

Feds to study using electricity to 'reduce or eliminate' fossil fuels

OTTAWA - The federal government wants to spend up to $300,000 on a study aimed at understanding whether existing electrical technologies can “reduce or eliminate” fossil fuels used for virtually every purpose other than generating electricity.

The proposal has caused consternation within the Saskatchewan government, which has spent months attacking federal policies it believes will harm the Western Canadian energy sector without meaningfully addressing climate change.

Procurement documents indicate the “Electrification Potential Study for Canada” will provide “strategic guidance on the need to pursue both electric and non-electric energy research and development to enable deep decarbonisation scenarios.”

“It is critical that (Natural Resources…

READ MORE
pennsylvania electricity exports chart

EIA: Pennsylvania exports the most electricity, California imports the most from other states

READ MORE

ontario legislature

Ontario Government Consults On Changes To Industrial Electricity Pricing And Programs

READ MORE

Georgia Power warns customers of scams during pandemic

READ MORE

germany prices

Electricity prices in Germany nearly doubled in a year

READ MORE