The EO on Cybersecurity Makes You Accountable: Make Sure You Consider All Your Options

The White House’s May 11th Executive Order on Strengthening the Cybersecurity of Federal Networks and Critical Infrastructure cuts through the clutter of sometimes conflicting views of where responsibility for cybersecurity lies, and reinforces FITARA and OMB guidance that Agency heads and CIO’s are ultimately responsible for the choices made in this important area.

Agency heads and CIO’s should use this opportunity to address the single most important element of cybersecurity and technology implementation – the human element – using all resources currently available to them. Knowledgeable and skilled staff will help insure that the right technology choices are made for the agency, and that implementation is done with an eye towards the future.