Council of Councils
Think Global Health
Online Store
Introduction
Over the last several decades, governments have collectively pledged to slow global warming. But despite intensified diplomacy, the world is already facing the consequences of climate…
Cybersecurity Debate: Three Things to Know
April 27, 2015 12:40 pm (EST)
- Explainer Video
The debate over cybersecurity is heating up again in Washington. Congress is considering multiple pieces of legislation intended to enhance the ability of the private sector and government to share information about digital threats. Meanwhile, the White House has put forth its own proposal, which diverges from those measures on major issues. Robert Knake, CFR’s senior fellow for cyber policy, offers three things to know about the debate on cybersecurity information sharing.
More From Our Experts
Expanded Monitoring: Congress and the White House generally agree on the need for the private sector and government to share intelligence about cyber threats. Where they diverge is on the extent to which private service providers, such as AT&T and Verizon, can monitor Internet traffic, explains Knake.
Improved Sharing: Most companies already monitor their networks for threats and share cybersecurity information with other firms and government, says Knake. President Barack Obama’s proposal would simply clarify that authority, while bills supported by the Congressional intelligence committees would allow ISPs to monitor all traffic crossing their networks.
Choosing a Portal: President Obama wants cybersecurity information shared between the government and the private sector to pass through the Department of Homeland Security, while congressional intelligence committees want the National Security Agency to be the hub. These divisions do not fall along partisan lines, says Knake.
More From Our Experts
Top Stories on CFR
After two decades in office, Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will pass the baton to the ruling party’s chosen successor, who faces a complex geopolitical environment and growing challenges to the party’s leadership at home.
The new U.S. aid package will reestablish a critical flow of weapons to Ukraine’s military, but the war will hinge greatly on which side can ramp up and sustain its firepower and troop numbers in the months ahead.
The World Bank and IMF have concluded their spring meetings, but questions remain on China, lending capacity, and balancing the interests of rich and poor countries.