Home » Federal expert to discuss Internet of Things impact on business cybersecurity at free TALK event

Federal expert to discuss Internet of Things impact on business cybersecurity at free TALK event

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (June 10, 2016) – Former federal Assistant Secretary for Cybersecurity and Communications at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Greg Garcia will be the presenter Wednesday at a monthly meeting of the Technology Association of Louisville Kentucky. He will discuss The Internet of Things and Your Enterprise.

The free meeting, including dinner, will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 15, at the headquarters of ZirMed, 888 W. Market St., in downtown Louisville. ZirMed is a solution provider to the healthcare billing sector. One Beacon Technology Insurance is this event’s key sponsor.

Garcia was appointed Assistant Secretary for Cyber Security and Communications by President George W. Bush and served in the capacity from 2006 to 2008. He led the National Cyber Security Division, the National Communications System and the Office of Emergency Communications.

Under Garcia’s leadership, DHS was a key driver in developing the Bush Administration’s Comprehensive National Cyber Security Initiative (HSPD 23), the National Emergency Communications Plan, and the precursor to what is now the National Cyber and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC). He also served on the House Science Committee staff where he shepherded enactment of the Cyber Security R&D Act of 2002.

Garcia led advocacy efforts for many high technology organizations including the Information Technology Association of America, American Electronics Association, and as the chief lobbyist for 3Com Corporation, a Silicon Valley computer and communications networking company. He is a member of the Information Security and Privacy Advisory Board, a federal advisory committee.

A consultant to private sector and member of three advisory committees, Garcia will address how the Internet of Things introduces a range of industry business models, regulatory jurisdictions and cross-influencing policy dynamics involving safety, security, privacy and interoperability. U.S. agencies getting involved include the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration and National Institute of Standards and Technology; Federal Communications Commission; Federal Trade Commission; National Highway Transportation Safety Administration; Food and Drug Administration; Department of Energy; and Department of Homeland Security.

Agencies are moving cautiously, according to Garcia, with white papers and best practices guidance, but hiccups in the performance of new and disruptive connected devices could amp up government involvement that requires industry vigilance. Increasing congressional awareness and interest in the IoT will add pressure on Executive Branch agencies to exercise their oversight and regulatory authorities as problems or business disputes arise.

Register for the TALK meeting at www.talklou.com. A reception and networking begins at 5 p.m. followed by Garcia’s presentation at 6 p.m. and Q&A at 7 p.m.