CSIA Sets Priorities to Advance Cyber Security Policy in 2007

The Cyber Security Industry Alliance (CSIA) today announced its 2007 Priorities to drive and shape public policy related to cyber security. In addition, Liz Gasster, CSIA's General Counsel, has been selected acting Executive Director of CSIA, effective January 1, 2007. Gasster replaces Paul B. Kurtz, who leaves CSIA after three years of establishing and managing the organization.

Since CSIA was founded three years ago, the organization has doubled its membership, established offices on both sides of the Atlantic, and become the voice for cyber security policy in the U.S. and Europe. Gasster will take the lead implementing CSIA's 2007 Priorities, which build on the organization's past work and include the following:

• Achieving federal legislation to ensure the privacy and security of personal information
• Strengthening the Federal Information Security Management Act
• Shaping the cyber security agenda at the Department of Homeland Security
• Expanding CSIA's influence in Europe

"CSIA has made tremendous progress in the past three years advancing a public policy agenda that ensures the security and privacy of information, but we still have much to accomplish," said CSIA Chairman John Thompson, Chairman & CEO, Symantec Corporation. "During the past months, Liz has worked side-by-side with Paul to achieve the organization's goals, and under her leadership, CSIA will continue our efforts to implement appropriate public policy, effective security technology, high industry standards and support from governments worldwide."

Liz Gasster stated, "As Paul departs CSIA, we are well-positioned to move forward on our 2007 priorities, which are critical to the overall security and resiliency of the global information infrastructure. I look forward to driving our agenda forward, with the support and guidance from CSIA's Board of Directors and members."

Before joining CSIA, Gasster spent 26 years at AT&T, most recently as Public Policy Director and Senior Attorney, Federal Government Affairs. During her tenure at AT&T, she was responsible for developing and coordinating policy positions on a broad range of e-commerce, technology and intellectual property issues, including privacy, network security and critical infrastructure protection, and trademark and copyright policy. Gasster was responsible for advocacy on these issues with the U.S. Congress, federal departments and agencies, and with various industry associations and coalitions.