The government is going to monitor more emails and Web surfing by people in private businesses.

The scanning is being done to prevent future cyber-attacks on the United States.

Traditionally, Internet traffic-scanning was limited to government networks and Defense Department contractors because they've been targets of foreign espionage.

But as fears grow of a cyber-attack on non-military assets, the Obama administration opted to widen its cybersecurity program

Reuters reports it will include employees at major banks, utilities, and leading transportation companies. The Department of Homeland Security will collect the information.

Officials say the surveillance won't violate personal privacy.

"There is a way to do this that ensures civil liberties and privacy and does ensure the protection of the country," NSA Director General Keith Alexander said.