Obama says Congress must act to strengthen government’s ability to enhance cybersecurity

WASHINGTON – President Barack Obama is telling Congress to pass legislation that will strengthen the government’s ability to protect America’s computer networks from attacks from foreign countries, hackers and other enemies.

Obama issued his call Tuesday during his annual State of the Union policy address. He made the remark the same day he signed an executive order that begins the development of voluntary standards to protect crucial industries like banking, power and transportation, and that increases information sharing between government and industry about cyberthreats.

The president says America faces a rapidly growing threat from its enemies. He says they are trying to learn how to sabotage the power grid, financial institutions and the air traffic control system.