New dashboard tracks cybersecurity programs

A trade group that represents major software companies today released an online dashboard to track cybersecurity programs that shows support for “the vast majority” of actions taken to secure cyberspace since President Barack Obama released his administration’s review of cyber policy six months ago.

The Business Software Alliance (BSA) used the dashboard to detail 31 recent government "milestones" that correspond to 12 "major categories" the group said were defined by Obama administration’s report. The BSA Cyberspace Policy Review Dashboard also gave those actions a “support,” “concern,” or “opposition” rating.

Despite supporting many of the actions, BSA said it was concerned by Obama’s delay in appointing a cybersecurity coordinator. However, BSA is satisfied that the president established a framework for cybersecurity efforts and the attention that Obama gave to cybersecurity, Robert Holleyman, president and CEO of BSA, said.

In addition, he said it’s important for the White House cybersecurity coordinator to have had previous experience in government, industry and cybersecurity and to have the political clout to manage the interagency process. BSA is satisfied with the structure for the cybersecurity coordinator that Obama has laid out.

Meanwhile, BSA said it opposes government-created security standards included in a draft version of comprehensive cybersecurity legislation introduced by Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Olympia Snowe (R-Maine). Holleyman said those standards are inconsistent with Obama’s stated approach to working with industry on cybersecurity, and the proposed standards could have a negative impact on industry.

BSA said the interactive dashboard will track progress on a range of cybersecurity activities through 2012, such as administration milestones, congressional action and industry programs.

The dashboard will be regularly updated to show industry’s perspective concerning crucial developments, the trade group said. Holleyman said the dashboard allows users to see the process visually and allows for real metrics to track progress.