In an effort to promote cybersecurity policy that advances the adoption of best practices and market-based solutions, the US Chamber of Commerce announced this week the launch of its new Cybersecurity Leadership Council, comprised of businesses and trade groups.
“Although recent headlines have focused national attention on cybersecurity, the Chamber has long been active in calling for information-sharing legislation and updated cybersecurity policy,” said Chamber Senior Vice President for National Security and Emergency Preparedness Ann Beauchesne. “This new group will help us foster greater collaboration between government and the private sector in order to improve our nation’s cybersecurity policy.”
“By creating a forum for businesses to have an open dialogue about what is effective, missing or needed in regard to cybersecurity policy or practices,” the Chamber said, “the council will direct Chamber advocacy and education efforts and serve as a key voice of industry for dialogue with policy makers.”
“When it comes to the cybersecurity of our networks, the private sector has the capabilities and the market has produced good solutions,” said Howard Schmidt, a partner at Ridge-Schmidt Cyber and chairman of the council. “Now we need to focus on mitigation of cyber risks through cross-sector information sharing efforts, public and private partnerships, and the improvement of cyber hygiene of businesses of all sizes.”
Leadership Council members include the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, American Gas Association, American Petroleum Institute, ASIS International, Blackberry, CTIA–The Wireless Association, Duke Energy, Dynology, Edison Electric Institute, Food Marketing Institute, Juniper Networks, National Cable & Telecommunications Association, NCI Building Systems Inc., Prescient Solutions, Retail Industry Leaders Association, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories Inc., Southern Company, Splunk Inc., The Boeing Company, J.P. Morgan Chase and US Telecom Association.
In addition to the Cybersecurity Leadership Council, the Chamber said it will continue its Cybersecurity Campaign: Improving Today. Protecting Tomorrow, which is aimed at giving businesses the tools they need to protect their networks.
