Software companies may be forced to upgrade security

May 1, 2004 12:00 PM

Leading software companies have acknowledged in a report to the Bush administration that government might need to force the U.S. technology industry to improve the security of America's computer networks.

The companies, including Microsoft Corp. and Computer Associates International Inc., say DHS “should examine whether tailored government action is necessary” to compel improvements in the design of computer software.

The 250-page report cautions that government should require security improvements only when market forces fail. It also said businesses already are demanding software that is safer and more resilient to attacks.

But the report says the most sensitive computer networks — such as those operating banks, telephone networks or water pipelines — “may require a greater level of security than the market will provide.”

In those cases, the software companies recommend “appropriate and tailored government action that interferes with market innovation on security as little as possible.”

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