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Software’s Essential Role in Securing Tomorrow

BSA 2020 Cybersecurity Agenda

Technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things, and cloud computing are changing the way we live, work, and connect with the world around us. These technologies create opportunities and help grow the global digital economy. However, they also present new and increasingly complex risks.

Those risks include data theft, phishing scams, privacy violations, malicious information programs, and more. Combined, this cybercrime costs the global economy trillions of dollars each year.

Our evolving technological environment calls for smart, thoughtful policy responses. BSA’s cybersecurity agenda, “Securing Tomorrow: BSA’s Cybersecurity Priorities and Software’s Essential Role,” offers a starting point for policy discussions around the globe.

As technology continues to develop, government, industry, and consumers will confront new security challenges. Robust public-private collaboration with trusted industry partners can help confront these challenges. To foster increased collaboration and stronger cybersecurity, BSA has outlined over two dozen recommendations across five priority areas for government and industry:

  • Promote a Secure Software Ecosystem: Software developers, customers, and policymakers need tools to promote security across the software lifecycle. Adoption of a set of best practices to elevate cybersecurity methods is a crucial component of a secure software ecosystem.
  • Strengthen Supply Chain Security: Governments around the world are considering regulations on transnational supply chains. Holistic, transparent, fair policies that prioritize risk management can help governments meet their security objectives.
  • Pursue International Consensus: Global cybersecurity laws will be most effective if they are interoperable. International consensus on cybersecurity norms will promote innovation, free flow of data, and market access.
  • Develop a 21st Century Cybersecurity Workforce: Increased access to computer science and STEM education and alternative pathways to cybersecurity careers will help fill roles for cybersecurity professionals.
  • Embrace Digital Transformation: Innovative solutions to cybersecurity challenges – including leveraging emerging technologies like AI, quantum computing, blockchain, and encryption – can help protect against cyber threats.

To read our full cybersecurity agenda, visit: https://www.bsa.org/policy-filings/securing-tomorrow-bsas-cybersecurity-priorities-and-softwares-essential-role

Author:

Tommy Ross serves as Senior Director, Policy with BSA | The Software Alliance. In this role, he works with BSA members to develop and advance global policy positions on a range of key issues, with a focus on cybersecurity, privacy, and market access barriers.

Prior to joining BSA, Ross served as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security Cooperation. He was the Senior Advisor for Intelligence and Defense to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, the Legislative Director for U.S. Representative David Price, and a research assistant for Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle.

Ross is a graduate of Davidson College in North Carolina and Union Theological Seminary in New York. He is based in BSA’s Washington, DC, office.

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