Reno launches public/private security partnership

Attorney General Janet Reno and the Information Technology Association of America today unveiled a set of initiatives designed to combat computer crime.

The initiatives include a "personnel exchange program," in which information technology professionals will work and learn side by side with computer crime specialists at the Justice Department's National Infrastructure Protection Center, which is an office that focuses on federal and private-sector information security. Likewise, federal computer security specialists will boost their skills by serving "fellowships" at IT companies.

"If we are to ensure public safety and responsible computer use, then government, industry and the public must all work together," Reno said. "This Cybercitizens Partnership is an exciting beginning."

Harris Miller, the president of ITAA, said partnership members could recruit participants for the personnel exchange program from other federal agencies besides DOJ.

The partnership also calls for the creation of an IT directory of specialists whom government computer security professionals can turn to for help.