Cyber Security: Will The Sharing of Threat Information Secure The Homeland or Erode Privacy?

We’ve just announced our speakers for the Friday luncheon (see below). The cyber security panel will discuss legislation that will allow the sharing of threat information and attacks. Bills on this issue will be first out of the gate this session of Congress. Get up to speed on how effectively the legislation helps secure the Internet and whether it infringes on the privacy of your constituents.

Speakers:

• Cory Bennett, Cyber Security Reporter, The Hill (Moderator) (Bio)
• Robyn Greene, Policy Counsel, Open Technology Institute at New America (Bio)
• Cheri McGuire, Vice President, Global Government Affairs & Cybersecurity Policy, Symantec (Bio)
• Heather Molino, Cornerstone Government Affairs (Bio)

Attend: RSVP via Eventbrite here
Note: This is a fast-paced, recess 60-minute flash-luncheon briefing format
Date: Friday, April 10, 2015
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm. Program starts at 12:00 pm, check-in starts at 11:40 am
Location Rayburn House Office Building Room 2226
Lunch: A boxed lunch will be served.
Follow: @NetCaucusAC | #CISA

 

Background

President Obama has made the public-private sharing of threat information one of the most pressing priorities in his massive push to protect the nation’s cyber infrastructure. Last month at the Cyber Security Summit the President signed an executive order to promote better sharing of threat information, “both within the private sector and between government and the private sector.” As part of that strategy he has called upon Congress to pass legislation to increase the flow of threat information.

Yet, Congress has attempted to pass such legislation before and was met with vigorous opposition. Almost two years ago the “Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA)” met an abrupt end amid civil liberties, privacy, and surveillance concerns- and that was before the NSA revelations by leaker Edward Snowden.

Now the President and Congress are back with new legislation to protect cyber systems via information sharing. Bills are being prepared and you are likely to see Congress vote on it shortly. Our panel of experts will explore the issues related to information sharing, whether the approach will secure the homeland and whether the legislation puts civil liberties and privacy at risk.

This widely attended educational briefing is hosted by the Congressional Internet Caucus Advisory Committee (ICAC), part of a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. Congressional staff and members of the press welcome. The ICAC is a private sector organization comprised of public interest groups, trade associations, non-profits, and corporations. The ICAC takes no positions on legislation or regulation. Rather, it’s a neutral platform where thought leaders debate important technology issues that shape legislative and administration policy in an open forum. We vigilantly adhere to our mission to curate balanced and dynamic debates among Internet stakeholders. Our volunteer board members ensure that we dutifully execute that mission. More information on the ICAC is available at www.netcaucus.org.