Here is the complete PR note I received regarding the BSA (Business Software Alliance — an anti-piracy org). Can anyone figure out what they are up to here??
BSA Urges Inclusion of Cyber Security Legislation in DHS Authorization Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 14, 2004) – The Business Software Alliance (BSA) today sent a letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Christopher Cox (R-CA) and Cyber Security, Science, and Research and Development Subcommittee Chairman Mac Thornberry (R-TX) voicing the organization’s support for the inclusion of cyber security legislation in the Department of Homeland Security Authorization Bill.
Similar letters were also sent to Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-NY), Majority Leader Tom Delay (R-TX) and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), as well as the following leaders of relevant committees: Rep. Sherwood Boehlert (R-NY), Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA); Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN); Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA); Rep. Jim Turner (D-TX); and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA).
The full text of the letter is below.
July 14, 2004
The Honorable Christopher Cox
Chairman
House Select Committee on Homeland Security
2402 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
On behalf of the Business Software Alliance (BSA)*, I am writing in support of the House ratification of the proposed cyber security legislation included in the broader Department of Homeland Security Authorization Bill.
The proposed legislation would be a critical tool in the global fight against those who seek to disrupt computer networks, steal electronic information or use computers to remotely commit more traditional crimes. It would further strengthen our nation’s cyber security network by directly elevating cyber security operations within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This is a vital step in ensuring the protection of all aspects of our nation’s critical infrastructure. The legislation also requires the Department’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) to report directly to the Secretary, thus also elevating the importance of protecting all electronic information within the agency.
Due to the growing demand for domestic technical experts, the legislation creates a new $3.7 million cyber security educational program for community colleges throughout the country. This assists in filling a vital educational gap that will ensure our country’s human capital will be trained and ready to face future cyber challenges.
The cyber authorization language also requires the Department to review its own security procedures. Tasked to protect the homeland, the Department’s own network must be reliable without question to achieve its mandate of domestic security.
Since its doors opened in 2003 DHS has made great strides to prevent and deter acts of terrorism here at home. Yet much work remains to be done. The ongoing assessment of active threats to our nation must include the security of our nation’s critical infrastructure systems including banking, transportation, power, and communication. This proposed legislation goes a long way in ensuring that protection.
For these reasons, the BSA urges the House to quickly consider and approve the Department of Homeland Security cyber security authorization language.
Sincerely,
Robert W. Holleyman, II
President and CEO
About BSA:
The Business Software Alliance (www.bsa.org) is the foremost organization dedicated to promoting a safe and legal digital world. BSA is the voice of the world’s commercial software industry and its hardware partners before governments and in the international marketplace. Its members represent one of the fastest growing industries in the world. BSA programs foster technology innovation through education and policy initiatives that promote copyright protection, cybersecurity, trade and e-commerce. BSA members included Adobe, Apple, Autodesk, Avid, Bentley Systems, Borland, Cisco Systems, CNC Software/Mastercam, Entrust, HP, IBM, Intel, Internet Security Systems, Intuit, Macromedia, Microsoft, Network Associates, RSA Security, SolidWorks, Sybase, Symantec, UGS PLM Solutions and VERITAS Software.
