When it comes to cybersecurity, the presidential candidates have remained relatively quiet, according to Wired. However, given recent cybersecurity events — like the Apple and FBI iPhone battle and major cyberattacks on retailers and healthcare organizations — and the projected likelihood that such events will persist, the candidates' stances on cybersecurity are of interest.
Here is how the candidates view cybersecurity, according to Wired.
Note: Sen. Marco Rubio's cybersecurity position is included in the Wired article, but omitted here as he announced his resignation from the presidential race Tuesday night. A previous article on Becker's Hospital Review looked at grades given to the candidates for their stances on cybersecurity.
Republican candidates
Sen. Ted Cruz: Sen. Cruz does not have an official position paper on cybersecurity, nor did he vote on the recent Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, missing the vote for a debate in October. However, Wired reports Sen. Cruz was a co-sponsor of the USA Freedom Act, which prohibits collecting phone records en masse. Sen. Cruz also sided with the FBI in the fight against Apple, saying the request to unlock the San Bernardino's iPhone is warranted as the request is for just one phone.
Gov. John Kasich: Gov. Kasich has called for "new cyber defense resources to better safeguard our security" in his national security position paper, but few details are provided, reports Wired. The same goes for his views on domestic spying. Gov. Kaisch has, though, been vocal about encryption, and in comments regarding the San Bernardino iPhone suggests encryption prevented intelligence officials from gathering necessary information.
Donald Trump: Mr. Trump's sound bites on cybersecurity largely center on accusing China of cybercrime against the United States. In the Apple and FBI debate, Mr. Trump sided with the FBI and even suggested boycotting Apple over its opposition to unlocking the iPhone.
Democratic candidates
Hillary Clinton: Ms. Clinton discusses cybersecurity as part of her national security goals and also names China as a player in cybersecurity talks. In her national security position paper, she says she will "encourage China to be a responsible stakeholder — including on cyberspace, human rights, trade, territorial disputes and climate change — and hold it accountable if it does not." Additionally, Ms. Clinton supports the collaboration between public and private stakeholders to improve cybersecurity. Wired suggests Ms. Clinton takes a moderate stance on cybersecurity and encryption, seeking a middle ground, including on the Apple and FBI debate.
Sen. Bernie Sanders: Sen. Sanders was one of 32 senators to oppose the USA Freedom Act, saying "it does not go as far" as he would like it to go. "We are living at a time where technology has far outpaced public policy in terms of protecting the privacy rights of American people," he told MSNBC's Andrea Mitchell. Sen. Sanders did mirror Ms. Clinton's stance that there is a balance somewhere between Apple and the FBI. Overall, Sen. Sanders errs on the side of defending civil liberties, according to Wired.
More articles on cybersecurity:
'Healthcare is ground zero for cyberattacks': 5 thoughts from CHIME's Russell Branzell
High-profile healthcare breaches have 1,100 cybersecurity pros putting their chops to the test
80% of organizations worry about the consequences of a large data breach