FCC moves to forge a role in cybersecurity

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) asked for public input Monday on its proposal to increase its role in protecting the nation from cybersecurity attacks. 

The agency asked for feedback on its proposal to create a cybersecurity "roadmap," a goal laid out in the National Broadband Plan. The roadmap would identify the five most critical cybersecurity threats to the nation's communications infrastructure and would also create a two-year plan for addressing those threats. 

In its public notice, the FCC suggested cyber-threats not only threaten Internet users but also create an economic threat to the broadband providers. 

"Cybersecurity is a vital topic for the commission because end-user lack of trust in online experiences will quell demand for broadband services," the agency said. 

Broadband providers generally expressed support for the FCC's cybersecurity goals upon the release of the National Broadband Plan, which devoted a chapter to forging a role for the FCC on cybersecurity issues.

Along with the roadmap proposal, the FCC's cybersecurity efforts have also included a proceeding launched in April to create best practices for telecommunications providers. Industry stakeholders have pushed back on the plan, citing the large investments they already make in network security.

In its public notice issued on Monday, the commission asked for input on what stakeholders and the public see as major cybersecurity vulnerabilities and what role the commission should play in addressing them.

Various parts of the federal government — from the Justice Department to the Defense Department — share responsibilities for thwarting cyber-threats.

The National Broadband Plan said an FCC role in cybersecurity is important for "securing the vital communications networks upon which critical infrastructure and public safety communications rely."