Government's role in this evolving industry is, frankly, a work-in-progress and Washington's "got one eye" on getting its role right.  So, while companies are recruiting Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and spending more to safeguard their communications and data centers, government agencies are trying to clarify their roles in the area of cybersecurity. 

Outside of a criminal and prosecutorial standpoint, agencies are just beginning to define standards and establish regulations that adequately address current threats to data security.  That's where Bruce McConnell, a senior Homeland Security cybersecurity official comes in.  He recently sat down with The Wall Street Journal's John Bussey to discuss what role the government should play in this effort and why he's especially concerned about the theft of intellectual property.  Among the topics:  (i) which agencies are tasked with policing efforts;  (ii) what steps are being taken to protect intellectual property;  (iii) how should executives evaluate the risk of data theft.

Government's Role is a Work-In-Progress In An Evolving Industry.   Mr. McConnell admits the country's operating without a cyberspace sheriff.  The evolution of this industry is in its early stages, as is the country's approach to this problem. 

The tricky part is that cyberspace is privately owned and operated.  The sticky part is that cyberspace involves the transmission and handling of information that may be proprietary or personal.  So Washington has to, in part, focus on trying to get its role right.  Currently, DHS [Department of Homeland Security] does provide information and otherwise helps companies - critical-infrastructure firms, in particular - to protect themselves.  And DHS has some things going now that might have a little more active role for the government, but that's a work in progress at this point. 

One area that companies can look to, for example, is DHS's Computer Emergency Readiness Team, for the latest alerts. These alerts are also picked up by the commercial companies such as McAfee and Symantec.

To read the complete interview transcript, go to:   [Wall Street Journal, 6/27/11]