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from Computerworld on Thursday, March 06, 2003

The U.S. House Homeland Security Committee has created a subcommittee focused on cybersecurity, a move that prompted cheers from the technology industry. Yesterday, the Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Rep. Christopher Cox (R-Calif.), created the House Subcommittee on Cybersecurity, Science and Research and four other subcommittees. Cox in a statement said the subcommittee will focus on federal government cybersecurity policies, protecting the government and private technology system from domestic and foreign attacks, and preventing injuries to civilians and damage to infrastructure caused by cyberattacks.

The Homeland Security Committee will "ensure that protecting Americans is the No. 1 priority of the Federal government," Cox said.

He called on the Senate to create a similar homeland security committee to oversee the newly created Department of Homeland Security. The Senate Judiciary Committee has a subcommittee on technology, terrorism and government information.

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) and cybersecurity company Entrust Inc. both issued statements praising the House for establishing the subcommittee.

"The establishment of this pivotal subcommittee underscores the importance of cyber security to our critical infrastructures, our economy and our citizens," Bill Conner, chairman, CEO and president of Entrust, said in the statement. "The House Homeland Security Committee and Congressional leadership recognize that without strong cyber security, there is not physical security."

Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of the BSA, noted that a July 2002 poll by his group of technology professionals showed a belief that the U.S. had made little progress in the nation's ability to respond to a major cyberattack

"It is very encouraging that this newly created panel of lawmakers is dedicated to helping develop the tools we need to close the gap between the threats to our country's critical networks and our power to defend against them," Holleyman said in a statement.

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