White House circulating draft of executive order on cybersecurity

The White House is circulating a draft of an executive order aimed at protecting the country from cyberattacks. The draft proposal, which has been sent to relevant federal agencies for feedback, is a clear sign that the Administration is resolved to take action on cybersecurity even as Congress remains gridlocked on legislation that would address the threat.

The draft executive order would establish a voluntary program where companies operating critical infrastructure would elect to meet cybersecurity best practices and standards crafted, in part, by the government, according to two people familiar with the document. The draft has undergone multiple revisions and is brief, spanning no more than five pages. It is still being worked on and is subject to change, the people familiar with the draft stressed. It's also unclear whether the final product will get the president's approval to move forward. A new draft of the executive order is expected to be shared with agencies next week.