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WASHINGTON D.C. -- The U.S. Senate is considering a bill that would create a cybersecurity czar. That person would report to the president and have the power to shut down computer networks if there's an attack.
The national cybersecurity advisor would have unprecedented authority to shut down not only military but also private computer networks in case of a cyber attack. Those private networks control infrastructure -- things like traffic lights, electricity, water and trains.
The legislation was drafted with input from the White House. The senators say it would empower the government to set security standards.
But others, such as the Center for Democracy and Technology, are worried the government is overstepping its bounds.
The Washington Post reports the legislation is co-sponsored by Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., and Sen. Olympia J. Snowe, R-Maine, and is backed by the White House.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
