Entrust CEO, House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee Chair Address Industry Leaders on Computer Hacking and Cyber Crime Threat

18 Jan 2002

DALLAS - Protecting our nation's infrastructure from cyber attacks must be at the forefront for businesses and governments, one of the nation's leading Internet security experts advised during a keynote address to industry leaders in Austin Thursday.

Bill Conner, president and chief executive officer of Dallas-based Entrust, Inc. [Nasdaq: ENTU], joined U.S. Representative Lamar Smith (R-TX), and other cyber crime experts to outline actions needed to address computer hacking and cyber crimes.

"For our economic security, our national security, and our continued technological growth, someone must sound the alarm that the serious threat posed by cyber crime should be confronted with serious deterrents," said Congressman Smith, chairman of the House Judiciary Crime Subcommittee.

"Governments and businesses must go beyond basic Internet security to protect privacy and security, cornerstones of freedom and liberty. This cannot be sacrificed," said Conner. "The tragic events of September 11, 2001, changed Internet security requirements forever. Now an enhanced Internet security foundation is required for E-Government and Business."

Carnegie Mellon recently estimated that cyber crime incidents increased by nearly 150 percent during 2001, indicating that Internet security has moved beyond a tactical issue to a strategic corporate imperative.

"The requirement for Internet security is now at the CEO and Presidential level," Conner said. "The importance of enhanced Internet security has been further elevated through recent industry events. Security is now something everyone needs to address."

States and governments worldwide are pushing to make "E-Government" a reality. But, Conner stressed that the funding and prioritization for enhanced Internet security to protect critical government, enterprise and communications infrastructure is essential for the promise of E-Government and Business to be realized. Unprecedented cooperation is needed, now more than ever, between governments, businesses and citizens.

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