Cybersecurity Compromise: Responsible Move or Political Cover?

In showing flexibility on their demands for cybersecurity standards for the private sector, the White House and Senate sponsors of broad cybersecurity legislation joined the prevailing view that passing a bill is more important than fighting over the details. After months of closed-door briefings by federal officials intent on impressing upon lawmakers the threat of cyberattacks, the Senate appears to be following the House’s lead in moving forward on cybersecurity proposals that have broadest support while leaving more-contentious issues for another day. But is the new bill an example of rare bipartisan compromise, or political cover for politicians fearful of appearing weak on national security? Lawmakers and security experts have increasingly said that passing anything, even if not comprehensive, is better than not acting. And that’s a potent message for lawmakers sensitive to being singled out for blame if the worst should happen.