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Security Experts Will Gather to Change the Government Cyber Discussion

Leaders from government, industry to debate question of redefining cyber security at Symantec Government Symposium

Just last month the White House released the first National Cyber Strategy in 15 years, an overarching document that updates the policies, procedures and responsibilities of federal agencies with a focus on protecting data and networks.

The release of the strategy serves as a landmark in the federal government’s fight to keep information secure, but it also comes during a time when the conversation around cyber security has begun to change.

With the growth of capabilities such as cloud computing and mobility, the government must alter how it defends its networks. Simply investing in a hardened network perimeter is no longer sufficient. Agencies must focus on data-level security that can protect sensitive data in an ever-connected world.

The Symantec Government Symposium, to be held October 30 at the Marriott Marquis in Washington D.C., will bring leaders from government and industry together to discuss this change. For the government to successfully protect information, it must redefine the meaning of cyber security, using new technologies, techniques and thought processes.

Our event program focuses on this changing dynamic. More importantly, though, the conference aims to serve as a safe space for an open cyber security dialogue. Throughout the day, government and industry executives will share best practices, ask tough questions, and share ideas on this changing environment.

The Symantec Government Symposium features a deep lineup of speakers who will address their organization’s role in this changing cyber dynamic. Some of the featured speakers at the event are leading this change, including:

  • William Evanina, Director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
  • Suzette Kent (pending approval), U.S. Federal Chief Information Officer, Office of Management and Budget
  • Jeanette Manfra, Assistant Secretary, Office of Cyber Security and Communications, Department of Homeland Security
  • Thomas Michelli, Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer for Cyber Security, Department of Defense
  • Ed Wilson, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Cyber Policy, Department of Defense

These key presenters – and others – will address such pressing topics as critical infrastructure protection, Department of Defense cyber priorities, automation, cyber workforce of the future, threat isolation, aligning cyber with modernization, cloud, GDPR, among others.

As the National Cyber Strategy highlighted, the federal government, and the United States as a whole, continues to face a data security challenge that is only getting worse. Hacks and breaches affect every citizen in the country in some way, either by exposing their information to people who intend to use it for bad, threatening the companies and organizations they work for or with, and potentially compromising the critical infrastructure that makes our nation run.

There is a big challenge in front of us. The best way to take it on is with information sharing and a unified effort. If you are interested in participating in the conversation, attend the Symantec Government Symposium on October 30. Register here.

About the Author

Chris Townsend

Vice President, Federal, Symantec

Chris leads a team dedicated to working with Federal agencies to improve their security postures, while reducing cost and complexity. With 20 years of experience, Chris is committed to advancing government cybersecurity.

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