Technology and cybersecurity

Executive Order 13718: Commission on Enhancing National Cybersecurity

President: Barack Obama

Created a bipartisan expert commission to recommend how the nation could improve cybersecurity over the next decade.

Status: Completed/expired. Is Executive Order 13718 still in effect? No. Executive Order 13718 is completed or expired. See Federal Register record.

What does Executive Order 13718 do?

EO 13718 established a temporary commission of experts from industry, academia, security, privacy and public service. It gathered public input and produced recommendations on infrastructure, innovation, workforce, identity, consumer protection and government organization. The commission delivered its final report on December 1, 2016 and terminated shortly afterward as the order required.

Administration position: The commission’s recommendations were advisory; they did not themselves create regulations, spending or private cybersecurity duties.
SignedFebruary 9, 2016
MembersUp to 12
Final reportDecember 1, 2016

Before and after

Before the order

The administration sought an outside long-term roadmap beyond ongoing agency initiatives.

After the order

The final report supplied recommendations for the incoming administration, Congress and private sector.

Who had to do what

Agency / officeActionTiming / position
CommissionConsult study and reportCompleted
Commerce Department and NISTProvide support and public engagementCompleted
Government and private sectorConsider recommendationsVoluntary or separately authorized

What happened next

EO 13718 created the commission.

The final report was delivered.