Obama unveils cybersecurity plan

WASHINGTON, May 12 (UPI) -- Protecting the U.S. government's computer system while protecting civil liberties are components of President Obama's cybersecurity proposal revealed Thursday.

Among other things, the plan -- which the administration says it hopes Congress will use as a framework to develop legislation -- includes national data breach reporting, stiffer penalties for computer crimes, rules clarifying what assistance the Department of Homeland Security can provide on cybersecurity issues in the private sector, and cybersecurity audits for critical infrastructure providers, the White House said in a statement.

"Our nation is at risk," the White House said. "The cybersecurity vulnerabilities in our government and critical infrastructure are a risk to national security, public safety and economic prosperity."

The statement said the plan was developed at the request of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and six committee chairmen, who contacted Obama to seek his input on cybersecurity legislation.

"The administration welcomed the opportunity to assist these congressional efforts, and we have developed a pragmatic and focused cybersecurity legislative proposal for Congress to consider," the statement said.

Obama declared cybersecurity at top priority two years ago.