Cyber Security

The Bay Area Council Cyber Security program helps to educate legislators and establish policies that protect the competitive vitality of American companies and the interests of consumers.

Cyber Security Policy Summary

We are under constant cyber attack from both outside entities and domestic cyber thieves. While the federal government acknowledges the issue, it has been slow to develop policies and strategies to deal with the threat. The Bay Area Council has been asked by several members to organize a private sector group to make recommendations to purposefully address this dangerous threat.

We know that redundant government policies and regulations are costing businesses millions of dollars in compliance and fines with no guarantee of enhanced protection. We know that state standards vary, are inconsistent, and require significant resources to monitor and that business needs a voice at the table during policy discussions. It is time for the business community to act with clarity and purpose to help educate legislators and establish policies that protect the competitive vitality of American companies and the interests of consumers.

  • Cyber Security Committee

    Chairperson: Ellen Richey, Chief Enterprise Risk Officer, Visa, Inc.

    The committee membership includes more than 50 of the Top Information Security Professionals of the most prominent companies in California. Through this group of dedicated Bay Area business leaders and key stakeholders, we have generated consensus around the types of policies needed to address the ever increasing risk and cost of cyber attacks. The Bay Area Council is aligned with critically placed political figures at both the State and Federal levels. We have strong relationships with Senator Dianne Feinstein, Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee; Speaker Nancy Pelosi; CIA Director Leon Panetta; Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger; and State President Pro Tem Senator Darrell Steinberg. We plan to present our solutions to these exceptional political leaders and engage their aid.

  • Legislative Advocacy Subcommittee

    Chairperson: Ellen Richey, Chief Enterprise Risk Officer, Visa, Inc.

    Track and influence state, federal, and international legislation and to establish a collective business voice (across all industry types) at the table with government to help ensure economic prosperity and national security. This is core strength of the Bay Area Council in other area of interest.

  • Aggregate Data Sharing Subcommittee

    Chairperson: Bruce Parelskin, Director Western Region, McAfee

    Creating a standalone vehicle for sharing real time data on attack strategies and scenarios. This vehicle would not be a public entity or service provider, but maybe a nonprofit organization where companies can share information with a certain amount of anonymity.

  • Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee

    Chairperson: Justin Somaini, CISO, Symantec

    Generating a new workforce to address the dearth of properly skilled professionals in both the public and private sectors. We are working with several of the largest University systems in California to build online curriculum aimed at graduating “Hire Ready Students,” working with high school programs (STEM) to identify and encourage students to pursue education and careers in the Information Security Industry.

  • Awareness Campaign Subcommittee

    Chairperson: TBD

    Educating and informing CEOs and public officials (Senate and Congress) about the economic impacts of cyber attacks and best practices for addressing security. This subcommittee focuses on the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors and sharing information on future concerns, best practices for defense and how to prosecute.

POLICY STAFF LEADS:

Del Christensen

Vice President, Membership

George Broder

Senior Advisor

Cyber Security Blog

RECENT VIDEOS

Responding to Cyberthreats

June 17, 2010

Companies in the San Francisco Bay Area are under daily attack.