New Law Protects U.S. Computer Data

President Reagan signed legislation Friday aimed at improving the security of information in federal computers.

The bill “will enhance the ability of the federal government to manage and protect its computer resources and represents a significant step forward in the effective use of these new technologies,” Reagan said in a statement announcing his signature on the Computer Security Act of 1987.

Reagan said the bill, which the House and Senate passed by voice votes, will “provide the foundation for a comprehensive and consistent approach to computer security throughout the federal government.”

The legislation was an attempt by Congress to respond to concerns that the government’s growing use of computer technology might be introducing additional security risks.