Chris Christie

Gov. Chris Christie.

(Mel Evans/AP)

HAMILTON — Gov. Chris Christie signed an executive order on Wednesday he says will better equip New Jersey to handle cybersecurity threats.

The governor, in a public appearance at the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness facility in Hamilton, established program to conduct cyber threat analysis and coordinate with private and public entities on best practices.

"Cybersecurity is not just a national issue," Christie said.

"Attacks consider to rise here and around our nation," he said. "As governor, it's my job to ensure that 21st century threats ... are met with 21st century solutions."

The order established the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell.

He described it as the state's "defense and our offense."

The likely 2016 White House contender signed the executive order two days after unveiling a national security proposal in the early presidential voting state of New Hampshire. The plan called for growing the military and bolstering the nation's presence overseas.

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