June 3, 2006
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Federal Computer Week (05/01/06) Vol. 20, No. 13, P. 54; Sternstein, Aliya
Industry leaders who have been urging the Bush administration to devote more resources to cybersecurity are optimistic that a recently issued report by the National Science and Technology Council will lead to increased federal funding. The "Federal Plan for Cyber Security and Information Assurance Research and Development" highlights urgent threats to U.S. technological infrastructure and calls for increased federal funding for research that would help manufacturers incorporate greater security features into their products before they are delivered. "This is the first document that I've seen that focuses on outcomes rather than favorite research projects," said Alan Paller of the SANS Institute. The document recommends exploring security issues that could arise from new broadcast protocols, wireless protocols, and ad hoc networks, while also cautioning against potential threats from optical computing, quantum computing, and pervasively embedded computing. The plan also calls for much needed metrics to gauge the government's ability to hold up against an attack, Paller said, though he criticized the council for not including specific figures for how much the government should pay for the research. Included in the proposal are the public Internet and the networks and systems that control the power grid, communications systems, and other vital elements of infrastructure. The plan identifies software testing, wireless security, access control, and authentication as some of the highest funding priorities. Increased funding is the key to acting on the report's recommendations, says Ed Lazowska, who served as co-chairman of the now-defunct President's IT Advisory Committee. Lazowska said he has a simple message for John Marburger III, the president's science advisor: "Spare me the recommendations and show me the money," adding that "it's time for leadership and investment."
For the complete article, see http://www.fcw.com/article94225-05-01-06-Print
Posted by rab5 at 07:45 PM
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