Obama outlines national cybersecurity plan

WASHINGTON, May 29 (UPI) -- President Barack Obama Friday announced broad goals, but little detail, for combating intrusions in U.S. cyberspace, including appointing a cyber czar.

The cybersecurity position would coordinate the nation's efforts to protect government and private computer systems from hackers, gangs, terrorists and spies, Obama said during a news conference.

"My administration will pursue a new, comprehensive approach to protecting America's digital infrastructure," he said, adding it will treated "as a strategic national asset."

The cyber czar, who has not been selected, was one result from a 60-day review Obama ordered in February. The National Security Council's and Homeland Security Council's joint review examined plans and programs throughout government addressing communications and information infrastructure -- aka cyberspace -- to develop a framework to ensure protective initiatives were properly integrated, resourced and coordinated, Obama said when discussing the review's findings.

"Cyberspace is real," Obama said, and so are the risks. The technology that allows people to "create and to build" also allows others to "corrupt and to destroy" by breaching governmental, economic, financial and energy networks.

Even his presidential campaign wasn't immune from hacking, Obama said, explaining that from August to October someone hacked into his e-mails and a "range of campaign files."

"Threats to the information and communications infrastructure pose one of the most serious economic and national security challenges of the 21st century for the United States and our allies," he said.

The review offered five overarching goals, Obama said.

Under two goals, federal agencies will work to develop a comprehensive strategy to secure information, Obama said, and will work with "all key players" from federal, state and local governments to ensure plans and resources are in place before a cyber incident and to assure a coordinated response if a cyber attack occurs.

The government also will work with the private sector to coordinate cybersecurity efforts, not to dictate security standards in the private industry, Obama said.

Another goal is investing in digital infrastructure research and development.

Finally, a cybersecurity national education campaign will be initiated.

The federal government won't be "monitoring private sector networks or Internet traffic," he said.

The cybersecurity road "will not be easy," he said, but "a new world awaits."