US bill lets government secure private networks in crisis
updated 05:00 pm EDT, Thu June 3, 2010
Draft bill to give feds control during crisis
A new draft bill put forth by Senators Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins would give the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) control over private networks' security in the event of a cyber threat. The rule would purportedly keep key services such as power, transportation and financial firms up and running during a cybersecurity emergency. The bill is the latest in a series of controversial bills that would give the federal government wide-spread control over private networks.
The proposed bill would have the President issue a declaration of an imminent cyber threat to critical infrastructure. This would then allow the director of the DHS National Center for Cybersecurity and Communications to develop and coordinate emergency measures or action needed to preserve the reliable operation of such infrastructure. The operator would have to follow the rules for no more than 30 days, but the cycle could be repeated indefinitely.
The bill is claimed to ensure that private companies are not overly disrupted and their privacy and civil rights are upheld. Private firms are allowed to handle network threats on their own, if approved by the DHS. [via Wired]
