Defense cyber chief downplays need to resolve lines of authority

Robert Butler, deputy assistant secretary of defense for cyber policy, downplayed the need to define clear lines of authority for federal agencies involved in combating cybersecurity threats, saying the emphasis has shifted toward having agencies work more closely together.

Butler said the administration has been shifting its focus toward determining what it wants agencies to accomplish, rather than first defining the lines of authority. Butler acknowledged that much work remains to define operational roles and responsibilities of both agencies. For now, he said, a major goal is improving "situational awareness," or the ability to know when networks are under attack and, when possible, where an attack is coming from.