Cyber Security

Cyber Security, Online Confidence and Trust

BSA calls for policies that foster a vibrant online marketplace where citizens and businesses can use information tools with confidence and trust, by making certain that laws effectively prohibit and punish fraud, theft and other crime over the Internet. Government must also be a partner in the fight against software piracy, which cuts into innovation and job creation, lowers government tax revenues, and compromises the security of information technology systems worldwide, putting businesses, governments and consumers at risk.

Specific policy actions needed:

  • Consumer Privacy: Promote and safeguard privacy by educating consumers about how to make informed choices regarding how their personal data is collected, used and stored, while adopting a workable policy framework that doesn’t unduly restrict the flow of information and commerce.
  • Data Breach: Establish a national standard requiring that consumers be notified when the security of their personal data has been compromised. Currently, 44 states have enacted breach notification laws, creating significant compliance difficulties for businesses and confusion for consumers.
  • Federal Agencies’ Cyber Security: Further efforts are needed to ensure that officials in charge of agencies’ computer networks are both empowered and accountable, and that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed.
  • Software Assurance: Government and industry must work together to ensure that government procures secure software and hardware, taking into consideration the ever-evolving nature of IT development processes and focusing on how technology is developed, not where.
  • Critical Infrastructure: Reform and strengthen the public-private partnership that protects the nation’s critical cyber infrastructure, with enhanced detection and response capabilities, a common understanding of the private sector’s responsibilities, and greater transparency and trust.
  • Cyber Crime: Fight against the growth of cyber crime by increasing law enforcement’s domestic resources and capabilities, while forging stronger international partnerships.
  • Cyber R&D: The United States needs a comprehensive national plan for cyber security research and development (R&D). A comprehensive plan must coordinate between government agencies and include domestic and international considerations.