President Barack Obama has announced that he intends to appoint someone as head of Internet security, or a “Cyber Czar,” as most people are now calling it.

Many people have experienced havoc because of hackers and other online attackers. Though the White House hasn’t experienced a large-scale online attack, Obama recognizes that cyber security is important. That’s why if you are going to get online payday loans from a direct lender you should make sure it’s legit.

Press release from Fox News

Here is a short article by Mike Emmanuel on Fox News regarding Obama’s reasons for wanting to appoint a Cyber Czar:

“We’re not as prepared as we should be, as a government or as a country,” President Obama said, while declaring cyber threats are both a growing national security and economic threat to this country.

The President also announced plans to choose someone to head up a new White House office of cyber security – what some people are calling a “Cyber Czar.”

“Cyberspace is real, and so is the risk that comes with it,” Obama said. “Indeed, in today’s world, acts of terror could come not only from a few extremists in suicide vests but from a few key strokes on the computer — a weapon of mass disruption.”

The President also noted how essential computer technology has become to almost all Americans. “It’s our hardware and our software, our desktops and laptops and cell phones and Blackberries that have become woven into every aspect of our lives.”

It should be noted Mr. Obama happens to be the first BlackBerry President – not wanting to give up his hand-held e-mail device.

Protect your money

Many Americans have experienced identity theft, financial theft and all types of scams that bilked them out of hard-earned money on the Internet. Online security is becoming more and more of an issue as technology and hackers get more sophisticated.

Warfare comes in all types, and it always changes with the times. We’ve seen chemical warfare, psychological warfare and financial warfare in the past. Obama is smart to recognize that internet attacks pose an economic threat to our country.

Economy everywhere

We’re experiencing right now how much the economy affects every aspect of American life. The domino effects that take place when our financial system is unstable seem to be endless.

I hope Obama names a Cyber Czar soon, before some sophisticated virus threatens our country. Unfortunately, the White House has been seeking a Cyber Czar for months, and one has yet to be named.

Online security tips

It can’t be stressed enough that individuals need to be very careful about what information they share on the Internet. Remember to never give out credit card numbers, bank account information or passwords unless it is a secure, trusted site.

Another good step for protecting your finances and your identity at home is to shred mail that has personal information on it, especially credit card offers that include personal information.