Internet security must be dealt with at highest levels

Jul 17, 2001 12:00 PM

The Information Technology Association of America President Harris N. Miller told the Senate Commerce Committee’s subcommittee of science, technology and space Monday the challenges facing Internet security issues must be met at the highest levels of corporate and government leadership.

Miller added that technology alone may not be enough.

"The assumption is made that improving cyber security and fighting cyber crime can be done with technology alone. That is wrong," Miller said in his address to the committee.

The ITAA’s debate with the subcommittee centered on "U-commerce," short for ubiquitous commerce, or the ability to access the Internet using wireless networks from any location. Miller called for a senior-level, cross-industry dialogue about security issues involving U-commerce.

Noted computer security expert Bruce Schneier, the chief technical officer of Counterpane Internet Security Inc., said Monday to the same subcommittee that "current Internet security measures don’t work."

Schneier, as reported by CNN, said most companies soon will be forced to purchase network security insurance – much like fire or theft insurance – to insure against "hackers, criminals and industrial spies."

Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, subcommittee chairman, said the goal of Monday’s hearing was to determine how the private sector can make online businesses less susceptible to hackers, viruses and other Internet maladies.

For information, visit the ITAA website at http://www.itaa.org/

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