You may remember Executive Order 13636, “Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity,” which President Obama issued almost exactly a year ago.
Broadly speaking, the EO outlined U.S. policy on cyber initiatives—including “to enhance the security and resilience of the nation’s critical infrastructure” and “maintain a cyber environment that encourages efficiency, innovation, and economic prosperity while promoting safety, security, business confidentiality, privacy, and civil liberties.” The EO also detailed the government’s plan to achieve those goals.
However, as Politico points out, there has been very little visible progress toward meeting the goals outlined in the EO. According to the article, this may be a sign of a more serious problem regarding the government’s ability to protect power plants, oil pipelines, and financial institutions.
Obama issued his executive order last year after two failed efforts by Congress to boost cybersecurity of key assets like electrical gas and chemical factories. Officials fear such systems—the majority of which are owned and operated by the private sector—are increasingly vulnerable to hackers who could cause large-scale disruptions or economic losses.
Without legislation, though, the President could only create a program for voluntary industry standards, and Obama directed his administration to develop them and find ways to encourage their adoption.”
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