The order seeks to improve the often-maligned network security of US government agencies, from which foreign governments and other hackers have pilfered millions of personal records and other forms of sensitive data in recent years. White House homeland security adviser Tom Bossert said the order also aims to enhance protection of infrastructure such as the energy grid and the financial sector from sophisticated attacks that officials have warned could pose a national security threat or cripple parts of the economy.

In another development, the Senate confirmed on Thursday Robert Lighthizer to serve as US trade representative. Robert Lighthizer served as deputy US trade representative under President Ronald Reagan and has worked on trade issues as a lawyer representing several manufacturers and high-tech companies.