Homeland Security Hosts Multilateral Conference on Cyber Security

Release Date: 06/28/06 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
June 28, 2006

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the conclusion of a multilateral conference on cyber security focused on furthering the development of an International Watch and Warning Network (IWWN) to enhance global preparedness for a cyber attack.

The conference, hosted by DHS’ National Cyber Security Division in collaboration with the German Federal Ministry of the Interior, brought together delegations from 15 countries to foster international collaboration on cyber watch, warning, and incident response, and identify mechanisms to further information sharing about critical infrastructure protection efforts. Country delegations included government cyber security policy makers, managers of computer security incident response teams (“CERTs”), and law enforcement representatives responsible for cyber crime matters.

“Preparedness for a cyber attack requires partnership and coordination between all levels of government and the private sector, both domestically and internationally,” said George W. Foresman, DHS Under Secretary for Preparedness. “This network is an important element of our international partnerships to enhance our ability to prepare for and respond to cyber attacks.”

The IWWN was established in 2004 to foster international collaboration on addressing cyber threats, attacks, and vulnerabilities. The conference established a clear path forward for the IWWN community to enhance global cyber situational awareness and incident response capabilities. The conference also marked the launch of a secure Internet portal to facilitate ongoing international information sharing as well as coordination during cyber incidents.

Participating countries included: Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Japan, Italy, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The National Cyber Security Division (NCSD), a part of the department’s Preparedness Directorate, provides the federal government with a centralized cyber security coordination and preparedness function. The NCSD is a focal point for the federal government’s interaction with state and local government, the private sector, and the international community concerning cyberspace risk management and vulnerability reduction efforts.

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