An Important Step in Advancing Cybersecurity

Posted by Scott Charney, on the Microsoft On the Issues Blog:

Corporate Vice President, Trustworthy Computing

Today I had the privilege of attending an event at the White House where President Barack Obama announced the results of the 60-day cybersecurity review and highlighted the steps the United States Government would be taking to help ensure the security of our nation’s computer networks.  This is an important step in ensuring we have a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy for cybersecurity. 

Advances in information technology have revolutionized the way we live and our increased dependence on IT systems makes addressing cybersecurity risks an increasingly important priority for both the government and the private sector. 

Right now, we are locked in an escalating but often hidden conflict in cyberspace, as cyber attacks steadily grow in sophistication and target critical infrastructures and sensitive data. According to Microsoft’s latest Security Intelligence Report, 40 percent of attacks in 2008 were considered “moderately complex”; less than 20 percent earned that descriptor in 2003. 

Addressing these attacks and securing cyberspace is going to require a comprehensive and coordinated national strategy, and the 60-day review provides a baseline to inform its development.  Such a strategy requires that the White House, the Congress and the private sector to collaborate on common security goals and we look forward to contributing to this important effort.