Hathaway, a holdover from former U.S. President George Bush's administration, praised President Barack Obama for raising awareness about cybersecurity. Obama, during the May 29 release of Hathaway's 60-day review, gave a nearly 15-minute speech on cybersecurity, the first time the leader of a major nation has talked in public about cybersecurity for more than a sentence or two, she said.

When asked what's new about the Obama cybersecurity plan, Hathaway tells people, "We have presidential leadership."

"The president believes in this," she added. "He grew up with the technology, and he used it in his campaign."

In addition to expanding partnerships with private companies and with other nations, the U.S. government has a role in educating residents about being responsible cyber citizens, Hathaway said. A top priority for the Obama administration in the coming months will be to kick off a public education campaign, she said.

"We're still digital infants," she said.