Infosecurity Europe says US national cybersecurity plans should be supported

Infosecurity Europe says a bill just presented to the US Congress - which seeks to introduce mandatory security standards to private and public sector companies that control the critical infrastructure of the US - should be actively supported.

"The proposal to create a National Cybersecurity Advisor (NCA) position with direct reporting to the President will allow one person and their team to act as a focal point in the event of an electronic attack on the US infrastructure," said Tamar Beck, Group Event Director, Infosecurity Europe,.

"This is an important step in securing the cybersecurity of the US and is in keeping with President Obama's stated aim of securing the IT infrastructure of the United States," she added.

According to Beck, the NCA will have the power to shut down any aspect of the US infrastructure, such as power, telephony or environmental supplies, if an electronic attack takes place.

In addition, she says, the NCA would be able to enforce common security standards - such as those from National Institute of Standards and Technology - across the national infrastructure.

The plan with the NCA program, she explained, is to create state and regional cybersecurity centres that will provide local advice to businesses, as well as working with universities to supply - and tap - their educational resources.

In parallel with the creation of the NCA position and team, Beck said that the bill seeks to create a Cybersecurity Advisory Panel made up of representatives from the private and public sector, with the eventual aim of licensing cybersecurity professionals.

"This really is excellent news, since it creates a private-public framework that will foster IT security education and professionalism at all levels," she said.

"In time, not only will the national US infrastructure be much better protected, but we could even see a better understanding of the need for cybersecurity amongst all Internet users. And that is no bad thing," she added.

For more on the US Cybersecurity bill: http://preview.tinyurl.com/dyeudq

Infosecurity Europe, running for its 14th year in 2009, is Europe's number one Information Security event. Featuring over 300 exhibitors, the most diverse range of new products and services, an unrivalled education programme and visitors from every segment of the industry, it is the most important date in the calendar for Information Security professionals across Europe. Infosecurity Europe is one of five Infosecurity events around the world with events also running in Belgium, Netherlands, Russia, and France. Infosecurity Europe runs from the 28th - 30th April 2009, in its new venue Earls Court, London.

To register to attend or for more information please visit www.infosec.co.uk