Infrastructure protectionBusiness group: cybersecurity critical to U.S. economic, national security
The Technology CEO Council says that Private sector steps to strengthen the U.S. digital infrastructure combined with new policies and government actions are important to America’s national and economic security
Private sector steps to strengthen the U.S. digital infrastructure combined with new policies and government actions are important to America’s national and economic security, the Technology CEO Council said as it endorsed a series of cyber principles outlined by the Business Roundtable.
“Our nation’s commerce, communications and defense are reliant upon a critical digital infrastructure that is largely built and run by the private sector,” said Bruce Mehlman, executive director of the Technology CEO Council.
“It’s more important than ever that government and industry leaders work together to ensure its protection.”
Technology CEO Council, which was created in 1989, says its companies generate more than $250 billion in annual revenues and employ more than 700,000 workers.
“The Business Roundtable deserves credit for taking a leadership role in defining a path forward that the private sector and policymakers can follow to defend our nation’s vital digital infrastructure,” added Mehlman. “We look forward to working to advance policies that ensure our nation is well protected.”
Cyber attacks are increasing in frequency and severity, according to a 2011 study of businesses by the Ponemon Institute. According to that study, 77 percent of businesses responded that attacks have become more severe while 78 percent said they have become more frequent.
The Business Roundtable unveiled its cyber principles in its new paper, “Mission Critical: A Public-Private Strategy for Effective Cybersecurity.” The BRT proposals include:
- Calls for the administration and Congress to enact smart cybersecurity policies that facilitate new levels of domestic and international collaboration. These policies should be focused on addressing fast-moving cyber attacks and operational partnerships with the private sector.
- Recommendations for dynamic public-private solutions that eschew the common “check-the-box” security approaches too often adopted by default. By harnessing government expertise and private sector experience, the U.S. can build dynamic systems to address shared risks.
