Gartner Advises US House Of Representatives On Computer Security Threats.

John Pescatore, vice president and research director of network security, Gartner Group Inc. (NYSE: IT and ITB) advised the US Subcommittee on Government Management, Information and Technology to learn from private industry's success in e-business. He also urged collaboration among government agencies to step up Internet security measures.

For computer security threats such as the "I Love You" virus, privacy breaches and more advanced criminal attacks, Gartner's advice to the government is less costly than one might expect. The coordination and communication among government agencies must be improved with training and with the institution of best practices that link government and business security alert systems.

"These hearings are the first steps in the process," says John Pescatore. "Sharing knowledge, best practices and advice is not only the best defense against security attacks, it is also extremely cost-effective for taxpayers."

The government, according to Gartner, should become a model citizen on the Internet by demonstrating sound security measures within government systems. As for Internet legislation, Gartner advises the government to listen to private industry for best practices and guidance and avoid the temptation to force hierarchical solutions on the distributed Internet. Pescatore summarized by indicating that the government has an opportunity to play a leadership role in making the Internet safe for business and government use.