Defense Official Says U.S. Needs Separate Cyberczar For Online Identity

Robert Lentz -- the deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber, identity, and information assurance in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense -- called for a second national cybersecurity czar dedicated to handling problems and risks associated with anonymity on the Internet. Identity is at the heart of securing the Internet, he said. "In my opinion, there needs to be a cyberczar just for identity. Without that, we're going to be done," said Lentz, who said reducing anonymity is key to ensuring security and resiliency on the Net. He noted that reducing anonymity also will generate debate over "legitimate privacy concerns," too. "We need a national leader focused on this important topic, which is without a doubt a foundation for this fragile ecosystem," he said.