US Senators Introduce the Cybersecurity and American Cyber Competitiveness Act of 2013

Earlier this week, United States senators John Rockefeller, Tom Carper and Dianne Feinstein have introduced a new cyber security bill, the Cybersecurity and American Cyber Competitiveness Act of 2013.

After the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 failed to pass Congress twice, the Obama administration decided that it would issue an executive order aimed at protecting the country’s critical infrastructures against cyberattacks.

However, most officials agreed that without proper legislation, the most critical systems would still be exposed to attacks from cyberspace.

If it passes the vote of Congress, the newly proposed bill will help the US secure itself against cyberattacks, and it will improve communication and collaboration between the public and private sectors.

In addition, the bill will “enhance American competitiveness and create jobs in the information technology industry, and [...] protect the identities and sensitive information of American citizens and businesses.”

Rockefeller, who is the chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, urges the new Congress to reach consensus in an effort to strengthen the nation’s cybersecurity.

“Throughout my five years of work on cyber, our military and national security officials and our country’s top business executives have made it abundantly clear that the serious threats to our country grow every day,” Rockefeller explained.

“The private sector and the government must work together to secure the networks that are vital to American businesses and communities. It is a priority this year to act on comprehensive cybersecurity legislation. I am grateful to Leader Reid for his leadership on the cybersecurity debate.”

Feinstein, the chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, added, “The threat of a cyber attack is real, and it is growing. Congress must act soon to improve the government’s ability to share and receive information on cyber attacks and threats with the private sector.”

“Our national and economic security depend on robust information sharing, and I look forward to working with my colleagues again this Congress to develop strong incentives for this practice, coupled with the needed privacy protections.”