Obama orders for immediate review of cyber security

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has announced an immediate review of the American cyber security as the threat to it has increased tremendously in the recent past.

In a statement, the White House said Obama has directed National Security and Homeland Security Advisors to conduct an immediate review of the plan, programmes and activities underway throughout the government dedicated to cyber security.

This 60-day interagency review will develop a strategic framework to ensure that US cyber security initiatives are appropriately integrated, resourced and coordinated with Congress and the private sector, the White House said.

Melissa Hathaway, who has served as Cyber coordination Executive to the Director of National Intelligence, will lead the review and serve as Acting Senior Director for Cyberspace for the National Security and Homeland Security Councils during the review period, it said.

"The national security and economic health of the United States depend on the security, stability, and integrity of our Nation's cyberspace, both in the public and private sectors," said John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security.

"The President is confident that we can protect our nation's critical cyber infrastructure while at the same time adhering to the rule of law and safeguarding privacy rights and civil liberties," he said.