U.S. President Joe Biden on Wednesday signed an executive order intended to strengthen cybersecurity by improving information sharing about attacks with the private sector and adopting better safety practices throughout the government.
It also seeks to improve the government’s response to major cyberattacks.
The order has been in the works for months but was released less than a week after a ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline Co. forced the company to cut off the flow of fuel to much of the U.S. East Coast, leading to gasoline shortages and filling stations running out. Colonial said Wednesday evening that the pipeline was returning to service.