US cybersecurity bill faces partisan divide

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The House this week will consider legislation aimed at thwarting cyber security threats posed by hackers, foreign governments and terrorists.

But like many issues facing lawmakers, there are deep divisions over how to best handle security. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups oppose requiring cyber security standards. They argue that rules imposed by Washington would increase their costs without reducing their risks.

But the Obama administration says there should be performance standards for companies such as those that operate power plants, communication systems or chemical facilities.

Homeland Security officials favor a system that would allow intelligence agencies and the private sector to share information about hackers and the techniques that firms use to control the inner workings of corporate networks. Privacy advocates say the proposal could create a backdoor surveillance system by spy agencies.