Control of Cybersecurity Becomes Divisive Issue

The National Security Agency has been campaigning to lead the government's rapidly growing cybersecurity programs, raising privacy and civil liberties concerns among some officials who fear that the move could give the spy agency too much control over government computer networks. The Obama administration is expected to complete an internal cybersecurity review on Friday and may publicly announce its new computer-security strategy as early as next week. That plan will determine the scope of cybersecurity efforts throughout the federal government as well as which agencies will take leading roles in protecting the government's computer systems. The security agency's interest in taking over the dominant role has met resistance, including the resignation of the Homeland Security Department official who was until last month in charge of coordinating cybersecurity efforts throughout the government.