ITI Statement on the Cybersecurity Act of 2012

ITI Statement on the Cybersecurity Act of 2012

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dean Garfield, president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI), released the following statement today on the Cybersecurity Act of 2012:

“The information and communications technology (ICT) sector is deeply committed to protecting against cyber threats. A collaborative, innovative cybersecurity structure is central to safeguarding public safety, national security, and economic stability.

“ITI and our member companies have reviewed carefully S. 3414, the revised Cybersecurity Act of 2012. Throughout the process of developing cybersecurity legislation in both houses of Congress, we have consistently advocated for approaches that place an emphasis on innovation. We have to fight malicious innovation with superior security innovation. That is how we stay a step ahead of the ever-evolving cyber dangers.

“We are very pleased that the Act’s bipartisan sponsors continue to seek a framework that balances many competing interests in an effort to protect both individual Americans and the nation. They have recognized the critical importance of private-sector leadership for information and communications technology innovation, increased information sharing, and a risk-management approach. Overall, the current bill represents substantial progress toward better cybersecurity protections for the United States.

“We urge Senators to engage in a full, open debate and discussion on this critical issue. Additional work is needed to improve the voluntary performance requirements, provide effective liability coverage, and facilitate timely, actionable information sharing. Our member companies are committed to providing solutions to these and other issues.

“Effective security solutions must continue to be driven by a vibrant, agile ICT industry that produces cutting-edge security technologies. We build protections to globally developed consensus standards, and drive innovative security into products and networks around the world. These innovation-first principles underpin effective cybersecurity and are reflected in the Cybersecurity Act. Preservation of these principles is essential if a final bill is to effectively advance cybersecurity.”

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