Executive Director’s Message
by Paul Kurtz, CSIA Executive Director
The Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security and Telecommunications:
Renewed Leadership from DHS
CSIA would like to commend Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their decision to create an Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security and Telecommunications. Secretary Chertoff made the announcement on July 13, when he unveiled his plans to reorganize the Department of Homeland Security. This announcement came only a week before CSIA released two documents, one focused on the need for increased R&D efforts, and the other highlighting the lack of leadership and coordination of cyber education for the K-12 population. The creation of the Assistant Secretary position is timely...
CSIA Urges Administration and Congress to Elevate Cyber Security Research & Development Efforts
Cyber security research and development is more important now than ever, as our dependence on cyber-based technology grows exponentially. However, funding levels for cyber security research and development (R&D) continue to shrink, and leadership is scarce. CSIA released a report this month urging the Administration and Congress to take immediate action in the area of cyber security R&D, and to work together to elevate cyber security R&D efforts. In addition, the report highlights the need for a national "vision" for the security, reliability and resiliency of the information infrastructure.
CSIA Calls for a National K-12 Cyber Awareness Program
This month, CSIA released a report, "Teaching Children Cyber Security and Ethics," which calls for the creation of a national-level program for teaching children K-12 cyber security, ethics and safety. The report discusses the current state of cyber awareness education for children K-12 by framing key problems, describing elements of cyber awareness and providing snapshots of typical education programs for cyber security, cyber ethics and cyber safety.
Recap of the Second Common Criteria Users Forum (CCUF II)
On July 14, CSIA and Technet, in partnership with the National Institute of Standards & Technology (NIST) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), held the second Common Criteria Users Forum (CCUF II) in Washington, DC. The day-long event hosted CSOs, CISOs and technical staff members who perform security assessments of products and make purchasing recommendations, as well as key executives, product developers, program managers and staff who oversee product evaluations and specifically, those who manage the process of obtaining Common Criteria certification.
Report on the 9th Annual Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE) at Georgia Tech
Information Assurance Education and Training was the theme of the 9th Annual Colloquium for Information Systems Security Education (CISSE), a weeklong meeting of computer security experts from around the world, held June 6-9 in Atlanta, GA. Each year, CISSE brings together leaders from academia, government, and industry to discuss needs and trends in information assurance.
CSIA Member Spotlight
About Check Point
About Check Point: Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. is the worldwide leader in securing the Internet. It is the market leader in the worldwide enterprise firewall, personal firewall and VPN markets. Through its NGX platform, the company delivers a unified security architecture for a broad range of perimeter, internal and Web security solutions that protect business communications and resources for corporate networks and applications, remote employees, branch offices and partner extranets.
Mid-sized Business Security: Protecting Your VoIP Investment
As Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions drop in price and complexity, many mid-sized businesses are reaping the rewards and cost savings of a VoIP solution. However, with the benefits of a VoIP network come an array of security considerations that are inherent with bringing voice communications into the IP based domain.
Congressional Spotlight:
Representative Bart Gordon (TN-6)
Notable: One of Congressman Gordon’s highest priorities is making sure parents have the tools they need to control the information their children can access through TV, by telephone and on the Internet. Congressman Gordon authored legislation protecting citizens from fraudulent 1-900 and 1-800 telephone numbers.