Cybersecurity Vendors Form Alliance

A dozen security IT vendors have established the Cyber Security Industry Alliance with the aim of improving cybersecurity "through public policy initiatives, public sector partnerships, corporate outreach, academic programs, alignment behind emerging industry technology standards, and public education."

Led by Paul Kurtz, a key architect of the National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace, the nonprofit group will focus on a range of issues, including coordinating with the Department of Homeland Security "to improve information-sharing between business and government on cyber-threats," identifying gaps in cybersecurity research, and pursuing Senate ratification of the Council of Europe's Convention on Cyber Crime.

Founding members include RSA Security, Symantec, Network Associates, and BindView. Membership is open to "companies with a substantial business" in cybersecurity products or services; charter members pay annual dues of $150,000, while principal members pay an annual fee of $60,000.

@ Information on the CSIA is available via SM Online.