DHS asks industry to help with cybersecurity

Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff underscored the department's emphasis on cybersecurity, speaking at the InfraGard National Conference in Washington on Wednesday, according to PC World. Chertoff called for a "21st century style of organization" with government agencies working closely with private companies.

"We all recognize that protecting these vital national assets is a shared responsibility and a partnership," he said. "The Department of Homeland Security does not and should not own and control all these systems."

He also emphasized a proposal to further protect private companies from liability for antiterrorism-related products. The SAFETY Act passed in 2002, already provides product liability protections for such products.

He discussed  the need to address all aspects of cybersecurity, and said that cybersecurity will be an essential part of a national infrastructure protection plan DHS is currently working on.