By Michael Hernandez
WASHINGTON
President Barack Obama on Tuesday pressed ahead with plans to strengthen America’s cybersecurity infrastructure following several high-profile hacks as he urged greater cooperation with private businesses.
“Foreign governments, criminals and hackers probe America's computer networks every single day. We saw that again with the attack at Sony,” Obama said during public remarks at the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. “Neither government nor the private sector can defend the nation alone. It's going to have to be a shared mission.”
Part of the effort will include legislation to promote increased information sharing between the government and the private sector, Obama said, as well as an update to authorities that law enforcement uses to go after cyber criminals.
“We want cyber criminals to feel the full force of American justice. Because they are doing as much damage, if not more these days, as folks who are involved in more conventional crime,” Obama said.
U.S. Central Command had its Twitter and YouTube accounts hacked Monday by a group of apparent ISIL sympathizers.
“American soldiers, we are coming, watch your back. ISIS," read one tweet posted alongside documents that included the personal information of military officers, including addresses.
Obama said that the attack is “a reminder that cyber threats are an urgent and growing danger.”
Earlier in the day, Obama discussed cyber security with congressional leaders during their first such meeting since Republicans assumed control of both houses of Congress.
Highlighting the importance of the matter, Obama said that he and lawmakers found rare common ground on the need to bolster America’s cyber defenses.
Obama announced Tuesday that the White House will host a summit at Stanford University in February to address cyber security and consumer protections. Among those scheduled to attend are tech companies, law enforcement, consumer and privacy advocates, law professors and students.
