Obama Might Issue Cyber Security Executive Order in January 2013

An executive order on cyber security from United States President Barack Obama has become a certainty after the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 failed to pass Senate for a second time back in November.

Many officials expected the order to be signed before the new year, but The Hill has learned from sources close to the administration that it will most likely be released at the beginning of 2013, possibly in January.

While most agree that some form of legislation is required to protect the country’s critical infrastructures against cyberattacks, officials don’t agree on certain key aspects, so the process has been delayed.

White House representatives have revealed that they’re in consultations with both Congress and the private sector regarding the executive order.

“Given the gravity of the threats we face in cyberspace, we want to get this right, in addition to getting it done swiftly,” said White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden.