Industry group urges White House to boost cybersecurity

Members of the vendor alliance outlined a set of actions the federal government can take to improve internet security at a press conference held in Washington, D.C. Tuesday.

Among CSIA's recommendations: Dedicate an assistant cybersecurity secretary position in the Department of Homeland Security; urge quick ratification of the Council of Europe's Convention on Cybercrime; lead by example through procurement practices; increase R&D funding for cybersecurity; and establish and test a survivable emergency coordination network in the event of a large-scale internet outage.

While the administration should be commended for the effort it started, much more needs to be done, Citadel Chairman and CEO Steve Solomon said Tuesday during a press conference in Washington D.C.

Unlike the physical world, there are no borders to protect in cyberspace, he said, adding, "The threat is real and requires the administration to act today."

Amit Yoran, who headed the cybersecurity division in DHS until his resignation this fall, said CSIA, together with some legislators and other industry groups, have a consistent messages: They'd like to see a more aggressive approach to cybersecurity.

"There is unanimity across the cybersecurity community that we are still vunerable and we need to do more," he said.

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