Advancing Innovation Through Collaboration

SINET Hosts Fifth Annual IT Security Entrepreneurs' Forum (ITSEF) to Fight Cyber Security Threats through Public-Private Collaboration

Connecting IT security entrepreneurs with government and private industry to advance cyber security innovation

San Francisco, Calif. – February 8, 2011 - The Security Innovation Network™ (SINET), an organization focused on advancing cyber security innovation through public-private collaboration, will host its fifth annual IT Security Entrepreneurs’ Forum (ITSEF) at Stanford University on March 15-16, 2011. Supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate, ITSEF is emerging as a vital and foremost forum for connecting IT security entrepreneurs with government buyers and policy makers as well as private industry, investors and researchers in order to defeat global cyber threats.

"A breakdown in cyber security is now one of the five major risks facing the global economy and the U.S. needs to be able to respond to attacks at network speed," stressed Robert Rodriguez, Founder and Chairman of SINET. "It is crucial that we embrace open innovation models that foster awareness throughout the entire cyber security ecosystem. When it comes to innovation, we cannot afford to leave any stone unturned."

This year’s forum will feature a selection of the world’s most respected cyber security influencers through keynotes and high-level panel discussions including:

• Robert Gordon, Head, Cyber Security Strategy, National Cyber Security Directorate, Public Safety Canada
• Richard Hale, Chief Information Assurance Executive, Defense Information Systems Agency
• Dr. Douglas Maughan, Division Director, Cyber Security Division, Science and Technology Directorate, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Dawn Meyerriecks, Assistant Director of National, Intelligence for Acquisition, Technology and Facilities, Office of the Director of National Intelligence
• General Harold "Punch" Moulton, DoD, USAF, Director, European Command Plans and Operations Center
• Kjetil Nilsen, Director General, Nasjonal Sikkerhetsmyndighet, Norway's National Security Authority
• Debora A. Plunkett, Director, Information Assurance, National Security Agency
• Nadia Short, Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems
• John Stewart, Vice President & Chief Security Officer, Cisco Systems

Topics will address such pressing issues as "How Emerging Cyber Threats, Risks and Vulnerabilities are Influencing Industry and Government Needs & Requirements" and "Security, Privacy and Risk Considerations in a Social Networked World."

"2011 will be a year of dynamic shifts in online threats: from sophisticated Stuxnet super weapons and targeted political hacktivism, such as WikiLeaks, to more widespread social media and mobile device hacking schemes. This forum will bring light to these and other critical issues," added Rodriguez.

SINET is also offering a half-day Workshop on March 15, designed for early stage and emerging companies who desire to partner with the federal government.

Learn more and register at http://www.security-innovation.org/itsef/apply-attend.htm.

About the Security Innovation Network™

The Security Innovation Network™ (SINET) mission is to advance innovation and enable global collaboration between the public and private sectors to defeat cyber security threats. SINET serves as the catalyst that connects builders, buyers, researchers and investors in the cyber security ecosystem. SINET accelerates business opportunities for both small and large organizations through strategic advisory services, community-building activities and networking events. The annual IT Entrepreneurs’ Forum (ITSEF) in Silicon Valley and SINET Showcase in Washington D.C. are supported by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate and public and private sponsorships.

The organization, founded in 2006 by former U.S. Secret Service Agent Robert Rodriguez, has developed an elite steering committee representing the nation’s top cyber security influencers. For more information visit www.security-innovation.org or follow @SINETconnection on Twitter.