Cyber Security

    The information technology revolution has changed the way business is transacted, government operates and national defense is conducted,.  The United States now depends upon a complex, interdependent network of critical infrastructure systems that are essential to our national and economic security.  These networks include information systems in the government, telecommunications, banking and finance, transportation, energy, manufacturing, water, health and emergency services networks.

    The United States must protect against the disruption of the operation of these systems.  Any disruption that occurs must be infrequent, of minimal duration, manageable and cause the least possible damage.

    The President's Special Advisor for Cyberspace Security will coordinate interagency efforts to secure information systems.  In the event of disruption, the Special Advisor will coordinate efforts to restore critical systems.

    The Special Advisor will work in close coordination and partnership with the private sector, which owns and operates the vast majority of America's critical infrastructure.  The Special Advisor will be the President's principal advisor on matters related to cyberspace security and report to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and to the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.

The Special Advisor will also serve as chairman of a government-wide board that will coordinate the protection of critical information systems (the President is expected to sign an Executive Order soon establishing the board).