http://fcw.com/articles/2009/12/24/max-stier-howard-schmidt-cybersecurity-workforce.aspx By Max Stier FCW.com Dec 24, 2009 President Obama has finally named the first-ever White House cybersecurity coordinator.an individual who now must focus government efforts to better protect vulnerable computer networks from attack by foreign nations, criminal intruders, hackers and terrorist organizations. The new cybersecurity coordinator, Howard A. Schmidt, promises to develop "a new cyber strategy that keeps America secure and prosperous". To accomplish this goal, Schmidt will have to use the clout of the White House to bring order to a governmentwide technology enterprise where no single individual or federal agency has had the authority to set a clear direction, settle turf battles or ensure accountability in an area that is critical to America's national and economic security. As he embarks on this difficult path, Schmidt would be wise to promptly confront a crucial but often overlooked aspect of protecting the federal digital networks - the serious shortage of highly skilled cybersecurity professionals in government. Without building a sophisticated federal cybersecurity workforce, we will never adequately secure the government's computer networks and the military, intelligence and confidential data that they hold. The need for such talent is increasing every day. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported in November that "pervasive and sustained cyberattacks continue to pose a potentially devastating threat to the systems and operations of the federal government". While security incidents grew by more than 200 percent from fiscal year 2006 to fiscal year 2008, the report concluded that the country is not optimally prepared to protect itself from such attacks. [...] ________________________________________ Did a friend send you this? From now on, be the first to find out! Subscribe to InfoSec News http://www.infosecnews.orgReceived on Tue Dec 29 2009 - 02:34:50 PST
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