Energy secretary creates cybersecurity council

Moniz, in his prepared testimony for Thursday’s Energy and Power subcommittee hearing, said the cybersecurity council is one of several he’s creating as part of broader management and organizational improvement efforts.

“I look forward to building councils of advisers that will provide enterprise-wide advice and analysis on issues ranging from cybersecurity to the management of the National Labs,” Moniz said.

A range of cyber threats — from fear of attacks on energy-related infrastructure to theft of corporate and military secrets — have risen on the political and policy agenda in recent months.

Cybersecurity was a key point of discussion when President Obama met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in California last week, a meeting that occurred as U.S. officials say cyber hackings emanating from China are a major concern.

Obama issued an executive order in February aimed at thwarting attacks on critical infrastructure, but major cybersecurity legislation remains stalled on Capitol Hill.