Texas Insider Report: WASHINGTON D.C. Symantec Corp. a global leader in security storage and systems management solutions awarded Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) its Cyber 4 Award for excellence in federal cybersecurity policy specifically recognizing his strong leadership innovative approaches and willingness to go above and beyond to make a difference".
It is an honor that Symantec has recognized my work on an issue of utmost importance to our national and economic security" said Rep. McCaul. With a few clicks of a mouse our adversaries can bring down our power grids financial institutions and telecommunications lines. Anything tied to the Internet is vulnerable to attack which is why it is imperative that we secure our federal networks. A cyber attack on theinterests of the United States could cause grave damage to our critical infrastructure and greater economic damage than we sustained on 9/11."
Congressman McCaul is on the front lines shaping important policy and protecting our critical data infrastructures. Symantec along with our platinum sponsors General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems and HP is honored to recognize his leadership dedication and innovation" said GiGi Schumm Vice President and General Manager for Symantec Public Sector.
Congressman McCaul has taken a lead role in federal technology and cybersecurity policy. He is a co-founder and co-chair of both the Congressional Cybersecurity Caucus and the Congressional High Tech Caucus and is vice chair of the Speakers High Tech Working Group. He has been instrumental in raising awareness about proactively addressing cybersecurity while embracing the importance of technology innovation and a strong public-private partnership to combat threats and protect our nations critical infrastructure.
Rep. McCaul co-chaired the Commission on Cybersecurity for the 44th Presidency which developed recommendations to President Obama to secure cyberspace and protect our national interests. On June 2 he introduced H.R. 2096 the bipartisan Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2011 which includes some of those recommendations such as improved coordination between federal agencies improvements to R&D and to the quality of Americas cyber workforce.
In addition to Symantec Congressman McCauls leadership has been recognized by numerous associations representing the high tech industry including:
- April 2011: Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International (SEMI) the global industry association serving manufacturing supply chains for the microelectronic display and photovoltaic industries
- March 2011: Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) which represents 60 companies accounting for 90 percent of US semiconductorproduction
- August 2010: TechNet the bipartisan network of CEOs that promotes the growth of the innovation economy
- May 2010: Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC) presented its Legislator of the Year Award for supporting issuesimportant to the technology community including trade tax policy cybersecurity patent reform education and basic research
Since entering Congress in 2005 Rep. McCaul has prioritized the needs of the technology industry understanding that technology is the key to opportunity and job creation in the United States.
