The first Presidential address focusing on cybersecurity was made by President Obama recently. It is anticipated that a Cybersecurity Coordinator (called by many the "Cyber Czar") will be named to encourage synergy rather than walls between agencies dealing with the burgeoning threats.

The cybersecurity review itself was a joint effort of Homeland Security and the National Security Council (NSC), and recommended the appointment of a Coordinator to update existing and develop new strategy for making the information and communications infrastructure in the US secure. The plan does not exist in a vacuum, coming as it does on the heels of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative in 2007, the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace in 2003 and Presidential Decision Directive 63 in 1998, all of which have been evolving the national response to cybercrime and security. The new review acknowledges for the first time the importance of private industry as stakeholders and players in cybersecurity.

Responses have generally been positive, but some are concerned that the NSC will take charge, infringing on privacy rights while others worry that the "cyber czar" will not be high enough in the President's Cabinet to be properly heard.

More here:   [www_wileyrein_com] and here:  [www_govinfosecurity_com]