Administration launches cybersecurity office

The White House Tuesday officially launched a new, separate office focusing on information security and appointed of Richard Clarke as President Bush's special adviser on cybersecurity issues.

Previously, cybersecurity was part of the administration's general anti-terrorism efforts. For that reason, several high-tech industry officials said cybersecurity issues were not getting necessary attention.

Clarke's new Office of Cyberspace Security will be a part of the White House's new Office of Homeland Security, which will be led by former Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge, a Republican.

"I'm glad the administration split it out because cybersecurity deserves that kind of attention," said David McCurdy, executive director of the Internet Security Alliance. McCurdy also is president of the Electronic Industries Alliance, a large high-tech trade association.

The White House has allocated about $81 million toward the creation of the Office of Homeland Security. Funds for the office come out of the $40 billion Congress authorized Bush to spend on emergency measures following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. According to the Los Angeles Times, $10 million also will be earmarked for a renewed effort to boost computer security at federal agencies and in the private sector.

Under the executive order issued Monday, the Homeland Security Office will coordinate efforts to protect the United States and its critical infrastructure from attacks, including strengthening measures for protecting telecommunications and information systems. Ridge also will help plan budgets for federal agencies as they develop strategy for increasing security.

Ridge on Tuesday congratulated Clarke on his appointment and stressed the need to protect the nation's computer systems while also acknowledging potential legal challenges because of privacy and civil liberties concerns.

"Disrupt it, destroy it or shut down these information networks, and you shut down America as we know it and as we live it and as we experience it every day," Ridge said. "We need to prevent disruptions. ... It is a technical challenge because we must always remain one step ahead of the hackers."

Industry officials said they look forward to sharing information with Clarke on tools that could be used to protect the nation's information networks. Clarke coordinated cyber-security issues under the Clinton administration.

"The industry had developed a good two-way relationship with Clarke, and I think we will continue to extend that relationship," said Shannon Kellogg, vice president of information security programs at the Information Technology Association of America.

Rhett Dawson, president of the Information Technology Industry Council, said companies in his organization would lobby Congress to pass legislation, H.R. 2435, that aims to ease the sharing of cybersecurity information between the private sector and government. He said the issue is critical because the majority of computer networks are privately owned.

David Marin, a spokesman for Rep. Tom Moran, R-Va., who is a cosponsor of H.R. 2435, said the Government Reform Committee agreed to allow the bill to go straight to the House floor. Davis is looking to attach it to a legislative vehicle that would enable quick passage.