Obama proposes new cybersecurity measures

President Obama is proposing new measures to improve U.S. cybersecurity standards.

The administration’s proposal would enable cybersecurity information sharing in the private sector and government, and would require private entities to comply with certain privacy restrictions. These include removing personal information and taking measures to protect any personal information that must be shared in order to qualify for liability protection, according to a White House press release.

Also, the proposal would equip law enforcement authorities with tools so they can investigate, disrupt and prosecute cybercrime.

In addition, the administration has revised its proposal on security breach reporting by simplifying and standardizing state laws that contain those requirements into one federal requirement. This puts “in a place a single clear and timely notice requirement to ensure that companies notify their employees and customers about security breaches,” according to the announcement.

Lastly, a grant of $25 million will be provided over five years to fund a cybersecurity education consortium to help train cybersecurity professionals to meet the growing demand.

“If we … focus on concrete and pragmatic steps that we can take to boost our cybersecurity and our privacy, I'm confident that both our privacy will be more secure and our information, our networks, public health, public safety will be more secure," said President Obama in a statement.