U.S. Government Urges Companies to Boost Internet Security | News ...

The U.S. Department of Commerce is urging companies with an online presence to develop and adopt a code of contact to prevent cyber-attacks, in an indication the industry and government realize the importance of online security to consumers and the economy.

The DoC is calling for the development and implementation of a code of conduct as part of a broader effort by Obama administration to fight cyber-crime. The agency is working in conjunction with companies in the Internet and innovation sector, which includes small and large businesses that have a substantial Internet or technology focus ? from the big software developers and cloud computing firms, to local businesses that operate primarily online.

The DoC?s belief is if the industry can develop the code, the government can provide incentives to encourage adoption. For example, a company who has signed on to the agreement and paid the needed expenditures to get up to speed with their security measures might be spared some legal liability in the case of a hack.

?It is clear that the government should not be in the business of picking technology winners and losers,? according to the report. ?However, the government should consider more proactively promoting industry-led efforts and widely accepted standards and practices and calling on entities to implement them.?

The timing of the report, amid growing scrutiny and concern over Internet security for consumers and business is prompting this fresh look at the subject.

?The Internet is again at a crossroads,? said Commerce Secretary Gary Locke in the report?s introduction. ?Protecting security of consumers, businesses and the Internet infrastructure has never been more difficult. Cyber-attacks on Internet commerce, vital business sectors and government agencies have grown exponentially.?

Indeed recent attacks continue to rock headlines. In April, Sony suffered the largest breach in history when account information on 100 million customers was exposed, leading to the closing of its PlayStation Network. Since then, the Tokyo-based company has dealt with weekly, if not daily, attacks.

Earlier this month, Google revealed how it blocked an attempt to access Gmail accounts of U.S. government officials, military personnel and journalists that originated in China.

In addition to hurting the businesses themselves, news of these attacks can work against consumer confidence in the systems they entrust with their personal and financial information and, if severe enough, can impact e-commerce and technology growth, one of the hottest engines of the economy.

The DoC plans to solicit industry input on its report, titled ?Cybersecurity, Innovation and the Internet Economy,? and so far the reception has been enthusiastic.

The Business Software Alliance, and the Software and Information Industry Association, both based in Washington and representing industry leaders like Apple, Microsoft and Adobe, welcomed the plan.

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Source: http://bigcellshop.com/blog/2011/06/u-s-government-urges-companies-to-boost-internet-security/

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