The importance of legislation and policy reform surrounding cybersecurity has never been more urgent. Media reports of data breaches at major retailers, universities, health care facilities, movie studios and government agencies are on the rise.
Cybersecurity is everybody’s business, so it’s imperative to have a workforce trained not only in prevention but also in response. Bipartisan reforms such as the Protecting Cyber Networks Act follow efforts from the White House to create the framework of a public-private partnership between business and the Department of Justice and the Secret Service. This type of legislation is a top priority for the U.S. Chamber.
Reforms to cybersecurity legislation aimed at eliminating breaches and reducing risk must be flexible, scalable, and consistent. Within these reforms, businesses must have a menu of legal options readily available to them. The National Institute of Standards and Technology has worked with industry experts to create a framework that provides common language surrounding information security and risk management practices. Government and business entities must be in collaboration to leverage and strengthen security and resilience.
Cybersecurity issues threaten our national and economic security and affect the bottom line for businesses, thus driving up costs for consumers. Considering that 85 percent of our nation’s critical infrastructure (electric grid, financial markets) is owned or operated by the private sector, we must act now. Government-to-business information sharing is a work in progress and will remain a priority for us.
Join the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Jennings, Strouss & Salmon, PLC for an information lunch on the future of cyber policy on April 15. Learn more here.
