Cybersecurity task force looks to next administration

A group of former federal employees and industry experts are getting together to ensure major cybersecurity initiatives don't fall through the cracks as more candidates pile into the 2016 race and Washington prepares for a transition in leadership. The Center for Strategic and International Studies has brought together a cybersecurity task force made up of experts from the public and private sector to issue a series of reports, culminating in a transition report with recommendations a new administration can put in place within the first 60 days.

"You don't want to lose the momentum that this administration is creating with the things that they're doing," said Karen Evans, director of the US Cyber Challenge and advisor to the task force. "You don't want a new administration [to come in] and have a hiatus where things aren't happening." Evans stressed the importance of issuing actionable recommendations — such as suggestions for executive orders that include specific language -- that the next administration can implement immediately, regardless of party affiliation. "The report should be written in a way that it doesn't matter who wins," said James Lewis, CSIS senior fellow and director of the Strategic Technologies Program, who is leading the task force's efforts. The bipartisan initiative also has the backing of members of congress, namely Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX) and Sen Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), who are acting as co-chairs.