US outlines plans to intervene in company security strategies

The US government proposes to step in and take control of certain firms' security systems if it deems them to be weak

The White House wants to impose new powers to enable the US government to intervene in the security of certain companies.

Under the proposals, firms such as financial institutions and energy companies could lose the control and management of their own security systems if the US government deemed them to be inadequate.

According to a report from the BBC, the plans are designed to counter threats such as attempted data theft by other states and cyber attacks on financial institutions.

The BBC reported that former senior Homeland Security official Stewart Baker said that the plans would take too long to put into action, and need to go further.

"It tells even critical industries on which our lives and society depend that they will have years before anyone from government begins to evaluate their security measures."

The White House hopes that the bill will be passed later this year.

Meanwhile, the UK government plans to unveil a new cyber security strategy in the summer.

Rather than planning to assume direct control of a company's security, the UK government intends to partner with private industry.

"Partnership with the private sector will be absolutely crucial. Government can't do it alone," said Neil Thompson, director of the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance recently.