Security board eliminated
The Bush administration has eliminated a panel that brought together top officials from every agency to address security issues
The Bush administration has eliminated a panel that brought together top officials from every agency to address security issues.
The Critical Infrastructure Protection Board, created by an October 2001 executive order, has been dropped as part of a Feb. 28 order detailing the organization of the Homeland Security Department. The board, among other tasks, led the development of the administration's National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, the final version of which was released last month.
The department includes an Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection Directorate, which brings together groups focused on security issues.
Still, some observers believe a group in the Homeland Security Department cannot replace the interagency board.
Information Technology Association of America officials say Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge should name a cybersecurity adviser to work with outside agencies.
"The [board], which consists of the top leadership from throughout the federal government, reflects a fundamental fact: Cybersecurity requires the participation of all government entities, and the coordination facilitated by [an interagency board] is essential," ITAA President Harris Miller said.
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