PAE Incorporated : U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner hosts cybersecurity round table at Delta Bridge headquarters

By Lindsay Emery

U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner, D-Va., and Virginia State Del. Hala Ayala hosted a cybersecurity round table for industry leaders at the headquarters of PAE company Delta Bridge in Alexandria, Virginia, on July 16. Warner discussed recommendations he's making as chairman of the Senate select committee on intelligence during the hour-long session.

'I've seen how cyber, from the back view, how unprepared we are and how we never had any real cyber doctrine,' Warner said.

He explained the need for additional policy changes, including legislation he is expected to introduce next week that would require the government, critical infrastructure owners and operators to report hacks within 24 hours of their discovery.

'We are talking about real threats and how we're going to look at defense in this country and how offense will also work,' cybersecurity expert Del. Ayala said. 'I look forward to not only further discussion on how we can better improve both at the state level, which we're thriving and we're number one for business, but we need to also be number one at security and defense as well.'

Members of the round table discussed multiple topics, including the time it takes cybersecurity technologies to pass federal tests. Sen. Warner acknowledged that the lengthy federal testing process is a solvable problem that should be investigated further.

In addition, various industry leaders illustrated how legislation might impact federal work orders, how small business and larger companies should be held to the same cyber industry standard, as well as the idea that there should be a differentiation between companies trying to improve data technology and those who are relying on being bailed out by the taxpayer.

Delta Bridge President and CEO Tom Becherer said he appreciated Sen. Warner and Del. Ayala for taking the time out of their busy schedules to listen to engage industry voices in a discussion about cybersecurity legislation.

'I'm especially excited … to have somebody that is so knowledgeable and experienced in cybersecurity [join this discussion]. Not only do you know the industry but you're also the chairman on the committee of cybersecurity and intelligence,' Becherer said. 'We're very fortunate to have both of you all in leadership positions here today.'

To watch the full round table discussion, click here.