White House creates new cyberspace watchdog

WASHINGTON - The White House Friday moved to stem escalating cyber crime as threats to Internet security and wireless technology grow at an alarming pace.

US President Barack Obama announced the creation of a White House office that will coordinate protection of government security, financial systems, air traffic control programmes and other systems.

The problem is “the most serious economic and security challenge that faces the nation,” Obama said.

In addition, the Pentagon is reportedly planning to create a new military command for cyberspace, the New York Times reported. But defence officials have not yet presented the plan to Obama, the newspaper said.