By Ian Bush

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — President Obama’s re-election could spell some big changes for the country’s Internet defenses.

Congress hasn’t been able to agree on much, including updating cybersecurity standards for the 21st century.

Politico tech reporter Tony Romm says the president could bypass lame-duck lawmakers and take action in the form of a cybersecurity executive order.

“The White House wants to improve the digital defenses at power plants, water systems, and other forms of critical infrastructure,” Romm tells KYW Newsradio.  “And it also wants to make it easier for companies and the government to exchange data about emerging cybersecurity threats.”

The election also means a turnover on key congressional committees that come up with legislation on things like privacy, and the way our cell phones work.

“I think it’s safe to say that we can see a pretty big tectonic shift when it comes to who’s in charge on tech issues in Congress,” Romm says.