Jeb Bush: Strengthening Cybersecurity

JEB BUSH: STRENGTHENING CYBERSECURITY
 
“Our country, starting with the President and federal government, must recognize the cybersecurity challenge and dedicate itself to conquering it.”
 
Governor Jeb Bush
September 14, 2015
 
The Internet has transformed everyday life for people, revolutionizing communications and how Americans interact with each other and the world.  The Internet’s impact on economic growth has likewise been profound.  U.S. manufacturers reported e-commerce shipments were $3.3 trillion in 2013.  According to one report, from 2004 to 2009, the Internet accounted for 15% of GDP growth.
 
Yet, for all of the Internet’s transformational power, its future rests in part on one critical factor—cybersecurity.  If people have no confidence their information will remain safe online, they will—quite simply—be less willing to use the Internet, thereby jeopardizing future growth possibilities.
 
Unfortunately, a series of high-profile cybersecurity failures and the Obama administration’s feeble response to the growing threat have demonstrated real vulnerabilities in government and private systems, eroding public confidence in both the government and even the Internet itself.  In June, I published some thoughts on cybersecurity, and at many town halls across the country I hear concerns from Americans about this threat.
 
This is an issue that gravely needs presidential leadership.  Ultimately, we need Internet security, and a strong tech industry that can be leveraged to the public’s benefit, in order to achieve high, sustained economic growth that will benefit everyone.  Let’s not mince words: in order to achieve 4% growth and the 19 million jobs that come with it, we need a vibrant and secure Internet.  Here is my plan to achieve that, starting with tackling the cybersecurity challenge.
 
1. Place a Command Focus on Cybersecurity.
 
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2. Restore Accountability within the Federal Government.
 
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3. Increase U.S. Intelligence and Law Enforcement Cybersecurity Capabilities and Strengthen International Cooperation.
 
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4. Create Public-Private Partnerships to Improve Cybersecurity in the Public and Private Sectors.
 
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5. Remove Barriers to Innovation in the Tech Industry.
 
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Our country, starting with the President and federal government, must recognize the cybersecurity challenge and dedicate itself to conquering it.
 
The Internet is one of the greatest innovations in history and has led to unrivaled opportunity and a great leveling of the playing field for all.  I will be a President who works to actually bring people together from both sides of the aisle, as well as the public and private domains, to better address the very real threats confronting this critical global resource.