Statement by National Archives Information Security Oversight Office (ISOO) Director John Fitzpatrick
Press Release · Friday, October 7, 2011

Washington, DC

Today President Obama signed an Executive Order entitled “Structural Reforms to Improve the Security of Classified Networks and the Responsible Sharing and Safeguarding of Classified Information.”

I applaud the President's leadership in energizing and fortifying executive branch efforts to ensure that standards for sharing and safeguarding classified national security information are implemented.  This Executive Order recognizes that the primary responsibility lies with departments and agencies to carry out this initiative, while it also reinforces the responsibilities of individuals entrusted with access to classified information.

The structural reforms required by this Order will enable agencies to share information more securely.  Strengthening standards and practices of protection will lead to greater trust and cooperation and increased information sharing.

As the government entity charged with overseeing executive branch performance in executing the President’s program for classified information, ISOO commends this renewed emphasis on improving implementation of safeguarding standards.  I look forward to continued participation in the development of national policies and standards that will ensure consistent application of sharing and safeguarding practices across government.

John Fitzpatrick
Director
Information Security Oversight Office
National Archives and Records Administration

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For press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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