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| © AFP/File |
WASHINGTON (AFP) - The White House was set Thursday to unveil new draft legislation to better protect America from cyber crime threatening the critical national infrastructure and the economy, an official said.
"The administration has taken significant steps to better protect America against cyber threats," the official said on condition of anonymity ahead of an expected announcement later on Thursday.
"It has become clear that our nation cannot fully defend against these threats unless certain parts of cybersecurity law are updated.
"By introducing the first major cybersecurity legislative proposal for any administration, we are demonstrating President (Barack) Obama's commitment to addressing complex and systemic national vulnerabilities that place the American people and economy at risk," the official said.
The proposed bill to be sent to Capitol Hill will focus on improving cybersecurity in the critical national infrastructure and in the government's networks and computers.
The official also anticipated possible opposition from privacy groups, saying the plan strikes a balance between preserving civil liberties and fostering economic growth.
The White House is hoping for action by Congress on the cybersecurity bill this year.
Obama has made cybersecurity a top priority since taking office and he named Howard Schmidt, a former Microsoft chief security adviser, as overall cybersecurity coordinator in December of last year.
Last October, the Pentagon and Department of Homeland Security unveiled an agreement on Wednesday designed to boost cooperation in defending military and private computer networks from growing cyber threats.
© AFP -- Published at Activist Post with license
