On Friday December 2nd the President’s Commission on Enhancing Cybersecurity (“Commission”) released their long-awaited Report on Securing and Growing the Digital Economy. The nonpartisan Commission was created in April by President Obama with the objective of examining U.S. cybersecurity policy and the determining “actionable recommendations” to secure the increasingly interdependent cyber infrastructure. Given the increasingly number of intrusions, disruptions, manipulations and thefts due to cyber vulnerabilities, the report is apt in its expression that technological advancement is outpacing U.S. cybersecurity practices and policies. President-elect Trump had pledged to adopt several cybersecurity policies, one being a commission, very much like the Commission on Enhancing Cybersecurity. Thus this report should be welcomed by President-elect Trump as a formative step in his cybersecurity reform.
The report offers 16 recommendations and 53 “associated actions.” The recommendations are broken down into six major categories, including, protecting and securing information infrastructure; building cybersecurity workforce capabilities; and ensuring an open, fair and secure global digital economy. Amongst the recommendations, two are notable for different reason: the creation and appointment of an Ambassador for Cybersecurity, “to lead U.S. engagement with the international community on cybersecurity strategies, standards and practices;” and a larger focus on training and hiring cybersecurity professionals. The recommendation for a cyber ambassador is a major acknowledgment that cyber issues know no boundaries and the interconnected nature of the global economy presents a serious and international threat to trade and businesses. Meanwhile, the Commission placed a premium on introducing new incentives and investments in innovation to attract new cyber security professionals, signifying its intention to increase U.S. capabilities. In specific numbers, the report recommended creating a national cybersecurity workforce program with the aim of training 100,000 new cybersecurity professionals by 2020.
These major recommendations are not specifically what the President-elect called for during the campaign, but the general tone regarding the importance of stepping up the United States’ cyber capabilities, is reflective of his proposals. Both the report and Trump have been clear that U.S. is not reaching its greatest cyber potential and needs to be if it seeks to maintain its position as a global leader. This report provides a comprehensive plan to increasing U.S. focus and capabilities on cybersecurity.
Overall the report calls for investment in cybersecurity mechanisms, greater attention to the foibles that plague current U.S. cybersecurity policy, and strengthening of public–private sector dialogues involving cybersecurity. The Commission, although an Obama administration installation, is geared towards gaining the attention of President-elect Trump. However, until his intentions are made clear, the report will remain simply recommendations.
Robert Freeman is located in the Washington D. C. office and brings with him more than 15 years of bicameral Congressional experience to Cozen O’Connor, having held several ranking staff positions with federal legislators. Robert is a registered lobbyist and is actively involved in politics. His practice areas include, but are not limited to, technology, defense, homeland security, procurement, appropriations, competitive sourcing, transportation, energy, trade, and foreign relations.
