The US Department of Homeland Security is considering setting up a "Cyber Reserve" of computer security experts who could be called upon in the event of a crippling cyberattack.

The idea came from a task force the agency set up to address what has long been a weak spot - recruiting and retaining skilled cyber professionals who feel they can get better jobs and earn higher salaries in the private sector.

"The status quo is not acceptable," DHS Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute said. "We are not standing around. There is a lot to do in cybersecurity."