Classified Cyber-Security Directive Puts NSA In Charge

dpreformer sends word that President Bush signed a classified directive Jan. 8 (it only came to light this week) putting all cyber-defense and counter-offensive activity for government networks under the aegis of the National Security Agency. Previously, federal agencies had disparate intrusion and attack monitoring programs. The directive does not address private-sector networks and systems. While some lawmakers and civil-rights advocates are unhappy with expanding the NSA's role domestically, one alternative that was considered and rejected — putting Homeland Security in charge — might have been worse. "A proposal last year by the White House Homeland Security Council to put the Department of Homeland Security in charge of the initiative was resisted by national security agencies on the grounds that the department, established in 2003, lacked the necessary expertise and authority. The tug-of-war lasted weeks and was resolved only recently, several sources said."

Comments

Mad King George [was: Re:Classified Governance.]

[Maow]

more and more appears that the goal of the present administration is to produce a kingly executive.

I think this statement cuts to the heart of the matter quite nicely.

I don't know why the Mad King George moniker hasn't been applied before: perfect for the "kingly executive" and harkens back to the Revolution with a nice bit of foreshadowing.

But that's just me thinking out loud...

rb

Re:Good News Bad News

[Boronx]

Its fascist/imperialist name and its feudal power structure (essentially everyone is a political appointee) don't help either.