This month saw a report and testimony from the CIA, FBI, National Security Administration and U.S. Cyber Command. While the intelligence community's report provided some very interesting information, more interesting are the conversations that have resulted. Never before has cybersecurity received such broad attention and been so widely discussed. All of that is a good thing. However, it is clear there are many questions remaining.

One of the most talked about questions is: Now what? We heard about a number of cybersecurity incidents that pose real risk to national security and the U.S. economy. All of those need to be addressed. Many of the cybersecurity issues being discussed have been known for a fair amount of time. Will the report and hearings around the recent events prompt actions that should have been taken some time ago?

With a mere 22 months before the 2018 elections, time is short. Even if you look at the next presidential election in 2020, there isn't an abundance of time. Given the importance associated with this issue, actions must start now. I have not heard many solutions offered!

Perhaps the first action should be mandating a cybersecurity standard that defines the minimum amount of security that all systems have. That would have to include the use of complex passwords, firewalls, antivirus protection and updating/patching known system vulnerabilities. This is minimal security. However, it would go a long way when it comes to improving the general level of cybersecurity and reducing risks.

Cybersecurity is now center stage and has many concerned about national security. As the degree of connectivity increases and our reliance on connected technology increases, the risks will only increase. An opportunity exists to make substantial advancements and put in the protection that is badly needed.

Kevin Coleman is a former chief strategist at Netscape.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of Kevin Coleman

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