Cyber executive order coming soon

The long-awaited cyber executive order is nearly ready for its debut and it will have the National Security Council and the Office of American Innovation working closely to modernize the government's IT infrastructure.

The long-awaited cyber executive order apparently is nearly ready for its debut.

White House cybersecurity coordinator Rob Joyce told the Georgetown Conference on Cyber Engagement on Monday the order is “close and nearby,” according to our sister publication FCW.

He said the timing of the release of the order is less about finalizing the order than about finding the right news cycle.

"I think the important focus on this is we want to make sure the cybersecurity EO emerges… in sequence with other things that the administration is rolling out so that we don't distract from other important messages that are out there," Joyce said.

The primary focus on the executive order will be on protecting federal IT infrastructure, including modernizing systems.

The National Security Council will work with the Office of American Innovation, led by Jared Kushner, to ensure that cyber is incorporated into modernization efforts.