Steptoe Partners Stewart Baker and Michael Vatis Comment on Cyberspace Policy Review

On May 29, 2009, Michael Vatis appeared on PBS's The Newshour and Stewart Baker was interviewed on NPR's All Things Considered to discuss the Obama Administration's newly released Cyberspace Policy Review. Earlier that day President Obama addressed cybersecurity in a speech to Cabinet members, government officials and corporate executives, and he stated that the nation has not prepared sufficiently to face the threat of cyber-warfare.   Both Michael Vatis and Stewart Baker agreed. Stewart Baker, former Assistant Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, observed in his All Things Considered interview, "Obama to Pick Cyber Security Czar," that while there is potential for bureaucratic infighting, he believes the President’s approach may work. Mr. Baker noted that White House leadership can have a positive effect by galvanizing senior government officials to find solutions, rather than engaging in trench warfare.  Michael Vatis commented in his interview,  "Obama Plans to Beef Up US Digital Security," that appointing a policy czar at the White House is a good first step in dealing with cyber security, but it is still not enough. The individual chosen will need a budget, the proper authority and the right ideas to be successful.  Both Mr. Baker and Mr. Vatis praised the President for taking personal ownership of this serious threat to our national security and our economic stability.