Obama Briefs United States on Cybersecurity

U.S. President Barack Obama talks about cybersecurity in the East Room of the White House (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Today, U. S. President Barack Obama presented remarks about the nation’s cybersecurity policies and infrastructure. He said that America’s cyber infrastructure was a strategic national asset and a national security priority. While he mentioned he would create a new cybersecurity coordinator position (also known as the Cyber Czar) within his administration, he did not go so far as to name his choice. But he did lay out some of the responsibilities this new team member will have.

Obama described five key areas the new cybersecurity coordinator will concentrate on:

1. Develop new comprehensive strategy to secure America’s communications and information networks by working closely with the U.S. CTO and CIO to ensure accountability in federal agencies. The process must be open and transparent.
2. Work with local authorities in the event of cyber attacks to ensure an appropriate and timely response.
3. Strengthen partnerships with private companies that are critical to the endeavor. Obama pointed out the Internet is operated by the private sector. He said his administration will not dictate security solutions. Instead, his administration will work in partnership with private companies to determine the best way to keep America’s cyber infrastructure secure.
4. Invest in research and development to promote innovation. Make investments in America’s information and communication infrastructure, including broadband penetration and a smart electric grid. Design new air traffic control systems. Move to electronic health records.
5. Begin  a national campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness and digital literacy to build a digital workforce for the 21st century. Create a new focus on math and science to inspire students and create technological pioneers.

Obama also made a point to mention what his administration would not do in pursuit of these goals. He stated emphatically that the U.S. government will not monitor private sector networks or internet traffic. He emphasized that the preservation and protection of citizens’ privacy and civil liberties were of paramount importance. He also said his administration remains committed to net neutrality.

It’s exciting to me to see a president who appears to understand the importance and pervasiveness of technology in the United States. It remains to be seen if Obama and his administration will be able to effect change. Because so much of the physical infrastructure of the Internet is in the hands of private organizations, there’s a limit to what the government can do in a nation that prizes the free market ideal.

Learn more at HowStuffWorks.com:

Can the government see what Web sites I visit?
How Hackers Work
How Internet Infrastructure Works
Can the government take away my laptop?
Can the government read your private e-mails?