New Industry Alliance Aims To Bolster Cyber Security

Unveiled at the RSA Conference in San Francisco, the CSIA aims to fortify cyber security through public policy initiatives, public sector partnerships, corporate outreach, academic programs, alignment behind emerging technology standards and public education.

The founding members of the alliance are BindView, Check Point Software Technologies, Computer Associates International, Entrust, Internet Security Systems, NetScreen Technologies, Network Associates, PGP, Qualys, RSA Security, Secure Computing and Symantec.

Paul Kurtz, formerly special assistant to the president and senior director of critical infrastructure protection for the Homeland Security Council, has been named to head the CSIA. Kurtz was responsible for developing the White House's strategy and policy for protecting vital U.S. infrastructure. The CEOs of the 12 founding member companies will serve as the alliance's board of directors.

"The CSIA looks forward to working in partnership with key stakeholders in the private and public sector to address the various implications associated with securing cyberspace," Kurtz said in a statement.

As part of its efforts, the CSIA plans to coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security to improve information-sharing between companies and the government regarding cyber threats. Other tasks include improving corporate governance of information security as well as federal procurement practices and guidelines, identifying gaps in cyber security research and development, and collaborating with U.S. and global standards organizations to support emerging technology standards and specifications designed to increase cyber security.

The alliance also aims to support current campaigns and national academic programs geared toward improving cyber security and to seek U.S. Senate ratification of the Council of Europe's Convention on Cyber Crime.