The US government could gain powers to enforce cyber-security
standards in private companies for the first time under new laws
designed to dramatically step-up the US cyber-defences.
Legislation expected to be introduced in the US Senate today
will extend the US government's cyber-security programme from
military networks to private systems used to control critical
infrastructure such as electricity and water,
The Washington Post reports.
The legislation calls for the appointment of a White House
cyber-security "czar" with the authority to shut down both
government and private computer networks during a cyber-attack,
according to officials interviewed by the paper.
The news comes following disclosures of the extent of
cyber-espionage activities of
Chinese hackers against western governments.
Research by a Canadian security group has revealed that the
Chinese operation, dubbed
GhostNet, infiltrated more than 1,000 computers in more than
100 countries.
US Intelligence officials have warned that a major attack on
private computer networks could compromise systems used by banks,
utilities and transport networks, causing social and economic
panic.
The US has begun a 60 day review of its defences against
cyber-attacks.