Cybersecurity may not the most prominent hot-button issue in the presidential race, but it very well could become a defining issue of the presidency. From the rampant breaches in healthcare to the hotly debated Apple-FBI feud, the next commander in chief could be faced with a lot of questions surrounding cybersecurity and privacy.
The Christian Science Monitor's Passcode blog analyzed references and actions presidential candidates have made in regard to privacy and security issues. Based on this information, identify protection and data risk services company IDT911 graded each candidate. Here is how six candidates fared.
Democrats
Hillary Clinton: C
IDT911 noted democratic candidate and former secretary of state Ms. Clinton's pro-security views, but lowered her grade considerably due to her choice to mix personal and business communications.
Bernie Sanders: C+
The report notes Sen. Sanders has expressed opinions on privacy and civil liberties, but has yet to put forward a clear cybersecurity plan.
Republicans
Ted Cruz: C-
Sen. Cruz from Texas did not vote on or read the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act. Additionally, he is against net neutrality. But, he did support the USA Freedom Act and NSA reform, according to IDT911.
John Kasich: ?
Gov. Kasich from Ohio hasn't revealed enough of his views on cybersecurity and privacy to even receive a grade, according to the report.
Marco Rubio: D+
Sen. Rubio from Florida has often talked about undoing President Barack Obama's approach to net neutrality and reducing internet taxes, but his lack of a clear plan for data security and privacy earns him a D+ grade, according to the report.
Donald Trump: C-
Mr. Trump is largely uninformed on cybersecurity issues. He largely focuses on intellectual property theft, according to the report.