By: Reuters

White House officials Thursday planned to unveil a major legislative proposal aimed at improving U.S. cybersecurity and protecting the economy, an administration official said.

The proposal is the result of 2-1/2 years of work. U.S. computers have long been subject to hacking attacks, many of them believed to have originated in China.

“By introducing the first major cybersecurity legislative proposal for any administration, we are demonstrating President Obama’s commitment to addressing complex and systemic national vulnerabilities that place the American people and economy at risk,” the official said.

The proposed legislation is focused on improving cybersecurity for the Americans, critical infrastructure, and the federal government’s own networks and computers.

“Our proposal strikes a critical balance between strengthening security, preserving privacy and civil liberties protections, and fostering continued economic growth,” the official said.

The Obama administration would like Congress to enact a cybersecurity bill this year.

Copyright 2011 Thomson Reuters. Click for restrictions.