IBM today expressed support for President Obama’s efforts to expand and accelerate the sharing of cyber threat data between businesses and government.

Washington, D.C. – IBM today issued the following statement of support for President Obama’s recent efforts to enhance U.S. cyber security:

“A string of high-profile events has underscored that cyber threats are growing in magnitude, sophistication and complexity with each passing day.

As our nation confronts the challenge of securing its critical systems, IBM applauds the President’s comprehensive effort to expand and accelerate the sharing of cyber threat information between businesses and government while ensuring proper privacy safeguards. We specifically welcome the proposed implementation of steps, originally introduced in Congress, to extend legal liability protection to those who voluntarily share cyber threat information.

This is vital to stepping-up the exchange of information that U.S. businesses need to adapt more quickly to evolving attack techniques. Increased sharing also would enhance the use of sophisticated analytics to identify and thwart attacks in real time.

IBM welcomes the President’s pragmatic approach to cyber security, and the acknowledgements from both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue that promoting innovation is vital to success on the digital battlefield. We look forward to working with the White House and the 114th Congress to enact effective information sharing legislation.”

— Christopher Padilla, Vice President, IBM Government and Regulatory Affairs

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