U.S. Government takes control of Internet
Not exactly accurate, but not far from the truth. Introducing S.773 - Cybersecurity Act of 2009.
A bill where the executive branch will have "emergency powers" to disconnect not only government sites and computers, but also privately-owned systems as well (Section 18, Items 2 and 6).
The bill was revised by West Virginia Senator John Rockefeller (D).
S.773 targets the growing concern of digital warfare, and whether we can afford to leave our financial and governmental cyber flanks unprotected.
This bill directs the President "to establish or designate a Cybersecurity Advisory Panel. It defines cyber as:
(1) any process, program, or protocol relating to the use of the Internet or an intranet, automatic data processing or transmission, or telecommunication via the Internet or an intranet;
(2) any matter relating to, or involving the use of, computers or computer networks."
Here are some highlights I found interesting:
The executive branch shall have powers to declare a national cyber-emergency state, much like a natural disaster emergency.
Regional Cybersecurity Centers for small and medium sized U.S. businesses will be created, supported, and financed through public taxes.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) will advise the Secretary of Commerce on standards, and certify IT professionals. (Not sure if this will invalidate private certifications...like those from Microsoft). It further states "the establishment of national licensing, certification, and recertification program for cybersecurity professionals", and will make it illegal to provide security services without being certified and licensed.
The National Science Foundation will create scholarships and grants as incentive for recruitment into the field.
Item 5 allows the government to infiltrate private business infrastructures deemed "critical".
Do your research on S.773, and write to your elected officials what you think.
Voice your opinion.
Here is a PDF of the bill:
http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:s773is.txt.pdf
Here is the bill, separated by sections, at The Library of Congress Online:
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c111:S.773:
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Angel Sierra is the Digital Production Coordinator at Sauk Valley Newspapers. Find something interesting in the world of science and technology? You can to write to him at asierra@svnmail.com. Your topic may be discussed in an upcoming blog!
