Bush trims cyber-security measures

The Bush administration has axed half its initiatives to tighten computer network security in private companies.

Instead, it has decided to give more responsibility to the new Homeland Security Department.

An internal draft of the administration's upcoming plan seen by Associated Press journalists reveals that a number of voluntary proposals for US corporations to improve security have been dumped in favour of focusing on government agencies.

The idea is that the US government should lead by example in cyber-space security rather than forcing private enterprise to comply.

The draft says the new Homeland Security Department will be responsible for improving the role of improving internet security and will launch some test attacks against civilian US agencies.

The Department will also have to improve the safety of the automated systems that operate the nation's water, chemical and electrical networks.

The Defence Department will be allowed to wage cyber-warfare if the US is attacked.

New responsibilities have been given to the CIA and FBI to disrupt other countries from using cyber tactics to collect intelligence on government agencies, companies and universities.