We reported yesterday that President Barack Obama planned to order a 60-day review of national cybersecurity policy.
The president officially made that announcement last night, just before his prime-time press conference. Melissa Hathaway, currently the top cybersecurity official at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, will lead the review; she’s expected to become the nation’s first “cyber czar” after the review is complete.
The White House’s full announcement is after the jump.
President Obama has directed the National Security and Homeland Security Advisors to conduct an immediate review of the plan, programs, and activities underway throughout the government dedicated to cyber security.
This 60-day interagency review will develop a strategic framework to ensure that U.S. Government cyber security initiatives are appropriately integrated, resourced and coordinated with Congress and the private sector.
“The national security and economic health of the United States depend on the security, stability, and integrity of our Nation’s cyberspace, both in the public and private sectors. The President is confident that we can protect our nation’s critical cyber infrastructure while at the same time adhering to the rule of law and safeguarding privacy rights and civil liberties,†said Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security John Brennan.
Melissa Hathaway, who has served as Cyber coordination Executive to the Director of National Intelligence, will lead the review and will serve as Acting Senior Director for Cyberspace for the National Security and Homeland Security Councils during the review period.
