(Warwick, R.I.) - Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today joined The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) to release the final recommendations of the Commission on Cyber Security for the 44th Presidency. This nonpartisan Commission called on the incoming Obama Administration to develop a comprehensive strategy to secure America's computer networks and critical infrastructure.  Langevin and McCaul are Co-Chairmen of the Commission, along with Lt. Gen. Harry Raduege (Ret.),  Chairman of the Center for Network Innovation at Deloitte & Touche, and Scott Charney, Vice President for Trustworthy Computing at Microsoft. 

"Cybersecurity is among the most serious economic and national security challenges we will face in the 21st century, and our nation must respond vigorously to threats against our cyber infrastructure," said Langevin, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity and Science and Technology. "President-elect Obama understands these modern security challenges, and I hope he will consider the Commission's recommendations as he develops his national security agenda."

Over the last year of study the Commission has concluded that the country lacks a coherent national strategy for addressing cybersecurity issues. The Commission's three major findings include:

• Cybersecurity is now one of the major national security problems facing the U.S.
• Decisions and actions must respect American values related to privacy and civil liberties
• Only a comprehensive national security strategy that embraces both the domestic and international aspects of cybersecurity will improve the situation

Among its several detailed recommendations, the Commission calls for creating a National Office for Cyberspace within the White House.  The office would provide oversight, clarify agency responsibilities, ensure accountability, and increase transparency and collaboration for the many cybersecurity programs across multiple agencies.  The Commission also cites the need to reinvent public and private partnerships and regulate cyberspace.

"We are in a long-term struggle with many who wish to harm our digital networks and infrastructure and who continue to severely damage the economic health and national security of our nation. Finding ways to take better advantage of cyberspace will help give us a competitive edge in a world where many believe we are currently running behind," continued Langevin. "I will be using the Commission's report as a roadmap in my own oversight efforts in both the Homeland Security Committee and in the House Intelligence Committee."

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