National Experts Demonstrate Security Technology; InfraGard Conference Hosts Four Security-Based Tracks at Annual Conference Featuring Multiple Guest Speakers.

HOUSTON -- InfraGard Houston, the local chapter of the FBI-led initiative to promote ongoing dialogue and timely communication between the FBI and corporate and governmental members, announces its line-up of Fall conference keynote speakers: House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Harris County Judge Robert Eckels, Department of Homeland Security Inspector General Clark Kent Ervin and Texas Homeland Security Director Steve McCraw. DeLay will address the luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 2004.

The 2004 InfraGard Houston Conference will be held on Tuesday-Wednesday, Oct. 26-27, 2004, at the Hilton University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Street, in Houston. Tracks being offered at this year's Conference include:

--Security at the Port,

--Essentials for First Responders,

--Network & Cyber Security and

--Computer Forensics/HTCIA.

Speakers will cover topics critical to the protection of essential infrastructure, such as updates on physical and technical security issues and state-of-the-art technology and processes.

"Our fourth conference marks the beginning of a new style for InfraGard Houston," said Freeman Mendell, Conference Coordinator. "With three hands-on labs for computer forensics and four different tracks covering a variety of critical infrastructure needs, we've improved and expanded the conference while still retaining the low early registration price from previous years. It's a great educational value."

Another indicator of growth for the Conference is the scope of corporate sponsorships for 2004. This year Microsoft has contributed software valued at over $19,000 for the hands-on computer forensics labs and will sponsor a networking event for conference participants on Tuesday.

"The world today is challenged with an increasingly complex and sophisticated security landscape," said Microsoft Strategic Security Advisor Gary Geddes. "Microsoft is proud to support the important work of InfraGard Houston to help deliver the message regarding the critical importance of our nation's security and protection of its essential IT infrastructure."

This year's conference has been developed by InfraGard Houston in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Coast Guard, the Houston Police Department and the High Technology Crime Investigation Association.

The Conference is designed for anyone involved with security, whether in private industry, academia, not-for-profit organizations or government, including law enforcement and first responders. Continuing education credit will be available to attendees, including CPEs for CPAs and TCLEOSE credit for law enforcement.

Early registration through Oct. 15 is $195 online at www.infragardhouston.org, then $295. Labs are an additional $50 and non-refundable. Seating in labs is limited and reserved.

About InfraGard

InfraGard Houston is a local chapter of the National InfraGard Program (www.infragard.net), a non-profit alliance between government and industry to enhance protection of our nation's critical infrastructures through exchange of information about threats and vulnerabilities. The Houston Chapter is led by President Chris Roach, Principal, KPMG LLP, Risk Advisory Services. The 2004 InfraGard Conference Coordinator is Freeman Mendell, EDP Audit Manager in Galveston County's Auditors Office. Chairman of the Board and InfraGard Coordinator is Keith G. Medford, Special Agent with the FBI. For information on the Conference or joining InfraGard Houston, visit www.infragardhouston.org.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.