White House Raises the Bar on Cybersecurity

February 9, 2016

On Tuesday, February 9, 2016, the White House announced its plans to implement a new Cybersecurity National Action Plan (CNAP).  Through additional investment, public education, and coordination with the private sector, the plan seeks to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity. 

 

Paired with the release of the President’s final budget proposal, the plan provides a 35 percent increase in cybersecurity funding, including $3.1 billion for an Information Technology Modernization Fund to enable the retirement, replacement, and modernization of legacy information technology.  In addition, the plan includes the establishment of a Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity to be comprised of top strategic, business, and technical thinkers from the private sector.  The Commission will make recommendations on actions to strengthen cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors.  The administration also announced it would create the new position of a Federal Chief Information Security Officer, launch a National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, create a permanent Federal Privacy Council, and provide scholarship and loan forgiveness opportunities for students receiving cybersecurity education.