Obama To Create Cyber Czar In Awareness Effort

The special assistant title is not as high in the White House hierarchy as some officials sought. It would not give the czar direct, unfettered access to the president. Instead, the official would report to senior NSC officials — a situation many say will make it difficult to make major changes within the calcified federal bureaucracy.

Government and military officials have acknowledged that U.S. computer networks are constantly assailed by attacks and scans, ranging from nuisance hacking to more nefarious probes and attacks. Some suggest that the actions at times are a form of cyber espionage from other nations, such as China.

Federal officials and corporate leaders familiar with the review say it will urge private industry to better protect networks against hackers and cyber criminals. The plan will call for accountability from both the government and industry in ensuring the security of the nation's networks.

The study will depict the U.S. as a digital nation that needs to provide the education required to keep pace with technology, and attract and retain a cyber-savvy work force.

But the review does not explicitly dictate how the government or private industry should tighten digital defenses. Critics say the cyber czar will not have sufficient budgetary and policymaking authority over securing computer systems and spending.