New Jersey data hub could give Christie 2016 cyber edge

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie on Wednesday gave himself a potential cybersecurity edge in the fight to be the GOP presidential nominee.

Christie, who is considering a run for the White House, signed an executive order establishing a cybersecurity hub in New Jersey. It is intended to gather cyber threat data from across the public and private sector, and dispense security warnings and advice.

{mosads}The center — dubbed the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) — will also partner with the Department of Homeland Security. It’s part of a push from the Obama administration and lawmakers to develop regional cyber threat sharing hubs.

“Cybersecurity is not just a national issue — it’s a local one that demands shared responsibility, collaboration, and constant vigilance across industries and sectors, especially in a digitally-dense state like New Jersey,” Christie said in a statement.

The center could shift New Jersey toward the front of the cyber pack among states, the majority of which do not have similar hubs.

“Our interconnectivity is one of our state’s strengths, but it’s also increasingly a threat for those who would seek to disrupt or harm people in our state,” Christie said.

Christie’s move puts him in line with the White House and most lawmakers’ agenda on cybersecurity.

Both parties have have come together to push for legislation that would make the DHS cyber hub — known as the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) — the center of most public-private transfers of data on hackers’ tactics.

The effort has the been the top cyber policy priority this year for the White House, lawmakers, government officials and most major trade groups.

However, privacy advocates have expressed concerns that handing more sensitive information to the government will just further embolden the National Security Agency’s surveillance capabilities.

Christie’s executive order also separates him from possible 2016 rivals on cyber issues.

Thus far, cybersecurity not been a major talking point for any of the declared 2016 candidates. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) did give the topic several mentions last week during a major speech on foreign policy and in follow-up interviews.

“As president, I will use American power to oppose any violations of international waters, airspace, cyberspace, or outer space,” he said during an address to the Council on Foreign Relations.

But the NJCCIC could give Christie something concrete to point to on the topic.

“Through the NJCCIC, we’re working to protect our citizens’ privacy and ensure the public and private sector are prepared to manage their cyber risks,” Christie said.