A former White House cybersecurity czar said President Barack Obama should not wait for Congress to act. Howard Schmidt said the president should sign an executive order directing agencies to tighten cybersecurity measures.

He told the National Journal that Obama could tell agencies to stick to cybersecurity guidelines in their procurement and contracting processes and to increase communication with the private sector.

He said he would be really surprised if Congress passed legislation this year.

Schmidt left the White House just a few months ago. Some in Congress are also calling for President Obama to sign an executive order.

This story is part of Federal News Radio's daily Cybersecurity Update. For more cybersecurity news, click here.