Department of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2004

This bill would have restructured the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by creating a dedicated National Cybersecurity Office led by a new Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity. This official would have been responsible for managing national systems to respond to cyber threats, reducing digital vulnerabilities, and coordinating cybersecurity training and awareness programs for the public and private sectors.

For everyday citizens, the bill aimed to improve the security of the nation’s critical infrastructure—such as the power grid, water systems, and communication networks—by centralizing federal efforts to protect these systems from digital attacks. It also sought to foster better information sharing between the government and private companies to ensure that the digital services people rely on daily are more resilient against hacking and technical disruptions.