An American strategy for the Internet

[Commentary] As the Senate finally prepares to vote on the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) legislation, it is important to keep in mind that CISA alone will not solve our problems with respect to cyberspace. A much broader strategy is needed. America is largely responsible for today’s Internet which, after creating enormous prosperity and human progress, is now being used to recruit terrorists, oppress freedom, harm our economy and threaten our national security. If we are to continue to enjoy the web’s blessings, we will need to develop and execute a comprehensive strategy to deal with those who would threaten us in the cyber domain, just as we did in previous ages when our well-being was threatened on land, at sea, and later in the air and in space. To preserve both Internet freedom and security, America needs a clear strategy that should have at least four main elements.

First, it should begin with an understanding that -- unlike land, sea and the other domains -- security in the cyber domain will often require that the private sector, not the government, take the lead. Second, while the private sector must routinely lead and be routinely responsible for defense, government has an indispensable role to play in protecting national assets from significant cyber disruption. A third aspect of a successful strategy is pragmatism, including a recognition that we need to just get on with some things. Lastly and most importantly, an American strategy for cyberspace must reflect and serve our ideals.

[Gen Michael Hayden is the principal at the Chertoff Group]