Cyber Security and the U.S. Government

After all the talk, after all the breaches cyber security is being discusses in the same sentence as national security. Today in the New York Times, a front page article describes President Obama's and the Pentagons plans to set up new groups and organization to handle the cyber security problem. The pentagon will be in charge of the government systems, and there will be another arm in charge of civilian defences.

There is issues of privacy for the normal civilians. Many of the computer used in attacks are in homes, and your Grandmother's computer could be a target. Also, who will be in charge when it comes to civilian networks? There is a "cyber-czar," but a real task force will need to be expansive. Plus, the networks within the U.S. are vital to the rest of the Internet and actions taken here can effect commerce throughout the world.

Also, what can they really do? How will they focus their energy? Will they consult for utility companies to secure the electrical grid other critical infrastructure, or will they actually build and maintain the systems hand-in-hand? There has been much-a-do about data breaches, i.e., stealing personal identifiable information, is this covered?

All in all, it is important that the government is wising up to this problem, but I can't see what they can do from afar. In computer security, you need boots on the ground because there are so many critical networks, and 10 people discussing policy in the west wing will have no real effect unless they have tech-admins enforcing it.

Either way, I am interested to see where this leads, but one thing is for sure, the modern day spy infiltrates through the network. I am glad we are starting to try and plug those holes.