security industry

Two tech groups plan merger

Judi Hasson — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:17:29 -0400

Two technology industry trade associations are planning to join forces in an effort to increase their lobbying clout in Washington. AeA, formerly known as the American Electronics Association, and the Information Technology Association of America, are in merger talks. The hope is that they can centralize the industry's lobbying efforts and be more effective in promoting two shared goals including renewal of the expired research and development tax credit an expansion of the H-1B visa program for high skilled tech workers.

Christopher Hansen, president and CEO of the AeA, said tech firms have to pay dues to too many organizations, and realizes that their voice has become diluted. Phil Bond, president and CEO of the ITAA, said the merger would give the groups "a louder, more unified and more effective voice." The ITAA has already completed mergers with two other tech groups this year: the Government Electronics and Information Technology Association and the Cyber Security Industry Alliance.

For more on this high-tech merger:
- see this ComputerWorld.com article

Data security bill gains traction

Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:59:59 -0500

Congress is currently grappling with legislation to fight cybercrime and to improve government information security compliance. The measure is likely to have an impact on the private sector, too. The proposal would update the Federal Information Security Management Act, which sets up requirements for securing personal or sensitive data.

The bill includes a broader definition of "personally identifiable information" and strengthens reporting and auditing requirements. It also calls for privacy impact assessments for agency purchases of lists containing potentially sensitive information from commercial data brokers.

The legislation is controversial, and faces some serious opposition. Karen Evans, administrator of eGovernment at the Office of Management and Budget, told a Congressional committee in written testimony that the bill could "seriously impact established agency security and privacy practices while not necessarily achieving the outcomes of improved privacy or security."

Cyber Security Industry Alliance President Tim Bennett said that OMB guidance has been "uneven" and too focused on compliance with memorandum and circulars. A similar bill already passed by the Senate would give federal prosecutors tools to fight identity theft and cybercrime. "The bad guys are moving quicker and getting more sophisticated every day and we don't have time to lose," Bennett said.

For more on this security bill:
- See this GovernmentExecutive article

ALSO NOTED: Mobile search advances; Microsoft's Virtual PC 2007 debuts;

Tue, 20 Feb 2007 19:01:38 -0500

> Mobile search advances. Article

> Microsoft's Virtual PC 2007 debuts. Article

> Goals of the top U.S. cybersecurity official. Article

> Government puts focus on finishing ongoing IT initiatives. Article

> The Public CIO Survey. Article

> SMBs turn to hosted IP-PBX solutions. Article

> OpenID is an identity standard worth knowing about. Article

> Teleworker security strengthened with new tools. Article

And finally… As the security industry matures, there's a dearth of innovative products. Article

ALSO NOTED: Tagging online content gains popularity; security industry maturing;

Sun, 04 Feb 2007 19:01:38 -0500

> Tagging online content gains popularity. Article

> The security industry is maturing and big-name companies are all over it. Article

> Planning ahead for 802.11n. Article

> Security applications market will reach more than $9 billion this year. Article

> IT salaries continue to rise. Article

> Top considerations for choosing a backup and recovery solution. Article

And Finally… To be effective, SOA projects must be systematic. Article

Spam fight prompts security market changes

Mon, 08 Jan 2007 19:01:35 -0500

The continuing quest to squelch spam, deter spyware and stop malware is causing more than a few waves within the email security industry. Big tech titans--from Cisco to Microsoft and everyone in between--are gobbling up specialized vendors in order to offer tools for better security protection. And while that leaves the smaller email security vendors a bit in the lurch, it's a good scenario for companies seeking an efficient, cost effective and centralized security approach.

For more on what's happening with email security tools:
- read the analysis at C/Net News.com

Microsoft moves to secure laptops

Sun, 26 Nov 2006 19:01:35 -0500

Given this year's rash of laptop thefts, the fact that Microsoft's new operating system, Vista, provides an automatic encryption feature for laptop hard drives may prove a compelling selling point when the OS arrives this week. As experts point out, mobile device security solutions abound but having it baked right in--and possibly enhanced with some other third-party tool--is alluring for companies who don't want to end up in the headlines. One analyst says that Microsoft's foray into the mobile security industry could end up weeding out the weaker vendors by spurring increased competition in the field.

For more on the laptop encryption effort:
- read the news at CIO Insight

PLUS: A look at six laptops that won't go up in flames. Article

Better cyber security law needed

Thu, 19 Oct 2006 20:01:35 -0400

A former presidential assistant and Homeland Security Council director is pushing for Congress to take action in thwarting IT-related security breaches, saying that it's not only a serious threat to individuals' confidential data but could also impact the country's economic growth. Paul Kurtz, executive director of the Cyber Security Industry Alliance, says that a comprehensive law is needed to make a difference.

For more on the push for a better federal security law:
- read the column at BusinessWeek

Symantec report: Vista a bit buggy and unstable

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 20:01:36 -0400

Security vendor Symantec has released a paper highlighting flaws and security issues with the upcoming Vista system that Microsoft is expected to complete and release at year's end. But since Microsoft took a big plunge into the security industry this year, pretty much taking Symantec on in terms of competition, you have to take the report with a big grain of salt. The paper claims that new code will make Vista less stable than XP, at least initially, and notes several flaws in the beta version currently under scrutiny. Microsoft, for its part, responds that the version under review is a beta, after all, and so flaws are expected.

For more on the Vista examination report:
- take a look at this article at CNet News.com

SPOTLIGHT: Security vendors don't see Microsoft as huge threat

Sun, 12 Mar 2006 19:01:33 -0500

While not exactly earth shattering, security vendors are baring their claws as Microsoft entrenches itself within the security industry with its OneCare Live security product. As one vendor leader points out, it's very likely that the Microsoft product will draw lots of attention from malware and virus writers intent on giving the Redmond company as much grief as ever, which will mean grief for subscribers as well. Article

SPOTLIGHT: Microsoft steps into security with both feet

Wed, 08 Feb 2006 19:01:33 -0500

Microsoft isn't stepping lightly into the PC security marketplace. It's carrying a big stick--a home brewed security service called OneCare Live that will debut in early summer. With such a technology move the Redmond organization is going head-to-head with security industry leaders such as Symantec and McAfee. Article