U.S. Cyberspace Security Guru Named

The President selects Richard Clarke to be a special advisor for cyberspace security. Critical infrastructure networks under Clarke's care include Internet information systems and a host of emergency services networks.

by ISP-Planet Staff [October 11, 2001]

For the past three years Richard Clarke has been warning Congress that U.S. business could be paralyzed by a terrorist attack, potentially shutting down computers, electrical grids and other key infrastructure sources nationwide. The Bush Administration took action this week to protect the complex, interdependent network of information systems that are essential to our national and economic security by naming Clarke Special Advisor for Cyberspace Security.

Critical infrastructure networks under Clarke's care include information systems in the government, telecommunications, banking and finance, transportation, energy, manufacturing, water, health and emergency services networks.

The President's Special Advisor for Cyberspace Security will coordinate interagency efforts to secure information systems. In the event of a disruption, the Special Advisor will coordinate efforts to restore critical systems. Clarke has served as counter terrorism chief at the White House for more than a decade. In May 1998 he was appointed by President Clinton as the first national coordinator for security, infrastructure protection and counter terrorism. Clarke was Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence under President Ronald Reagan.

Clarke will be responsible for coordinating efforts to restore information systems in the event of an attack. He will report to Thomas Ridge, the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security, and to Condi Rice, the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs.

Clarke will also work in close coordination and partnership with the private sector, which owns and operates the vast majority of America's critical infrastructure.

—End