The Justice Department did just that when it made exceptions to antitrust provisions so companies could share information about the Year 2000 computer problem. Congress passed safe-harbor legislation to protect companies from lawsuits for sharing Y2K information. The U.S. and much of the world are building their economic houses on an information technology foundation. This is an extremely positive approach to take, delivering tangible benefits to a fast-growing percentage of the world's population. Companies have the responsibility to invest in reasonable security practices and training, he said.
CERT responds to computer security breaches and publicizes Internet security threats.
Financial losses from network security breaches are costly, Cross said. Computer attacks are not new, but they are becoming more numerous and damaging. A 1999 Computer Security Institute survey of 500 companies showed that 62 percent had experienced computer breaches and 51 percent reported financial losses due to security problems. Government can support research and development in security and capability of networks to survive attacks while protecting sensitive data, Cross said. Other congressional committees are examining computer security next week.