The Commerce Department is acutely aware of the failure of law to keep up with the speed of the Internet, said Kerry, so they embrace principle-based rules and a multi-stakeholder approach.

FORBES: Commerce Department: Recent Wave Of Cyberattacks Sounds An Urgent Wake-up Call

Pistole said the move brings the United States into alignment with international rules and are keeping with his "risk-based security" approach.

CNN: March 10, 2013 -- Updated 0334 GMT (1134 HKT)