WASHINGTON, Feb. 10 (UPI) -- The U.S. government is creating a cybersecurity agency that will monitor and share information about threats against the government and private businesses in the wake of high-profile cyberattacks at Sony Pictures, Anthem Inc. and several major retailers.

The Cyber Threat Intelligence Integration Center will be established to coordinate information between governmental agencies and businesses regarding hack attacks. Lisa Monaco, assistant to the president for homeland security and counterterrorism, is expected to make the announcement later today.


"The CTIIC will improve our situational awareness, enhance indications and warning, and strengthen cyber unity effort for the U.S. government," an official familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal. "It will ensure indicators of malicious activity are downgraded to the lowest possible classification level to facilitate seamless intelligence flows among centers, including those responsible for sharing with the private sector."

The creation of the agency is the latest step by the White House to bolster national security and corporate interests from hackers. While the job of cyber security typically falls on several agencies, including the FBI, CIA and the Department of Homeland Security, the agency is aimed at filling in the gaps.

During this year's State of the Union address, President Barack Obama highlighted cybersecurity as a major concern and urged congress to pass legislation to combat the threat. Obama is expect to speak at the Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection at Stanford University in California on Friday.