Obama and Romney diverge on federal cyber policy
- By Defense Systems Staff
- Nov 05, 2012
The two presidential candidates would likely take different approaches to cybersecurity on key matters such as which federal agency has primary cyber responsibilities, how the private sector protects critical infrastructure and how aggressively the nation conducts military operations in cyberspace, reports NextGov.
Republican candidate Mitt Romney would most likely concentrate cyber responsibilities in the Defense Department rather than the Homeland Security Department, as Democratic candidate Barack Obama has done during the past four years of his presidency, the story said.
As for how key industries in the private sector protect their computer networks, Obama would likely put in place a temporary executive order or fight with Congress for permanent reforms in that area, whereas Romney would leave responsibility for critical infrastructure in the hands of the companies themselves, the story said.
On the matter of military operations in cyberspace, Romney would likely favor aggressive maneuvers against hostile foreign actors, while Obama would tread more cautiously in authorizing offensive cyber operations, the story said.