Obama creates cyber agency to 'connect the dots'

WASHINGTON — President Obama signed an order Wednesday creating a one-stop shop for cyber intelligence in the federal government, as the administration ramps up its defenses against foreign computer attacks.

The Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center will bring together information about cyber attacks under one roof when it opens by September, 2016.

The White House said the center would collect no intelligence of its own, but rather help "connect the dots" between a number of agencies, including the National Security Agency, the CIA, the FBI and the military.

Obama signed gave the order via a presidential memorandum, a directive similar to an executive order. The memorandum directed agencies to ensure that privacy rights and civil liberties are protected.

The government has not decided where to locate the new center, but it will probably be in an existing intelligence facility in the Washington, D.C. area. It's expected to employ about 50 people drawn from existing intelligence agencies.

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