Observers recommend broader role for government in cybersecurity

Public service campaigns to promote safe Web surfing and developing best practices for fending off cyberattacks are not constructive activities for the government, a panel of cybersecurity experts told Federal Communications Commission officials on Nov 5.

FCC is now identifying the five most critical threats to the Internet, as well as a plan to address such risks in accordance with the Obama administration's National Broadband Plan, a roadmap for attaining ubiquitous, affordable high-speed Internet access. To assess the threat landscape, the agency on Friday sought the input of about 10 security officials who work for Internet service providers, research institutions and the government. The most vocal participants said the mercurial nature of attacks makes it nearly impossible to devise defensive procedures or rely on computer users to ensure that viruses don't spread. The most effective role for the government is preparing for the unknown, they said.