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Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity

In order to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protections at all levels of Government, business, and society, to protect privacy, to ensure public safety and economic and national security, and to empower Americans to take better control of their digital security, the President issued Executive Order 13718, Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity, in February 2016.

In February 2016, President Obama established the Commission with Executive Order 13718. The Commission completed its report on Dec. 1, 2016, providing detailed short-term and long-term recommendations to strengthen cybersecurity in both the public and private sectors, while protecting privacy, fostering innovation and ensuring economic and national security. To develop their recommendations, the commissioners consulted technical and policy experts, solicited input from the public through open hearings and a request for information, and reviewed existing literature.

The report emphasizes the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors, as well as international engagement. It also discusses the role consumers must play in enhancing our digital security. The report categorizes its recommendations within six overarching imperatives focused on infrastructure, investment, consumer education, workforce capabilities, government operations and requirements for a fair and open global digital economy.

The twelve-person Commission, with representative from industry, academia, and former government officials, was chaired by Tom Donilon and its Vice Chair was Sam Palmisano.