CompTIA Hosts Cyber Security Workforce Symposium; Howard A. Schmidt, Special Adviser to the President on Cyber Security, to Give Keynote Address.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 9, 2003

CompTIA, the leading global IT trade association, will hold a free cyber security workforce symposium on May 14, 2003, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, DC. The half-day-long symposium will feature keynote speaker Howard A. Schmidt, special cyber security adviser to the President, as well as other IT security officials from the federal agencies, Congress, academia and the private sector.

Recent statistics show human error, not technical malfunction, to be the main culprit of IT security breaches nationwide. Many in the IT industry believe that increased IT security training and certification can largely mitigate this problem. The symposium will build upon this belief, and highlight the need for America's public and private sectors to better train the IT security workforce in order to reduce debilitating cyber incidents.

"With the symposium, we're working to nurture an IT security culture that truly promotes good security training and certification in the workforce," said Bob Kramer, Vice President of Public Policy for CompTIA. "No doubt, technology's important, but we believe a lion's share of this nation's cyber security challenges could be combated if government and business provided better training for its workers."

Attendees to the free event will hear from panelists on identifying the workforce problem, understanding potential workforce solutions, and surveying the public policy aspects of cyber security training and accreditation. Keynote speaker Howard A. Schmidt will conclude the symposium with a luncheon address, outlining, among other things, the President's strategy to secure cyberspace, and urging better IT security awareness in America's public and private sectors.

"This symposium represents the leading edge of thought on helping America become more IT security cognizant," noted Kramer. "If you're a public official or industry representative seeking insight into this crucial topic, as well as cost-effective workforce solutions to IT security, this is the place to be."

If you would like more information on the Cyber Security Workforce Symposium, please contact Amy Smorodin, at 703-812-1333, ext 200, or visit http://www.comptia.org/events/default.asp. Space is limited and registration is required.

About CompTIA

CompTIA is a global trade association representing the business interests of the information technology industry. For more than 20 years CompTIA has provided research, networking and partnering opportunities to its members, developing standards and best practices and influencing the political, economic and educational arenas that impact IT worldwide. More information is at www.comptia.org.