Biden turns to US private sector for help with cybersecurity

Washington, Aug 25 (EFE).- The United States government needs help in addressing the “core national security challenge” of cybersecurity, President Joe Biden said during an event at the White House with leaders in the business and education sectors.

“We’ve seen time and again how the technologies we rely on – from our cell phones to pipelines, to the electric grid – can become targets of hackers and criminals,” he told a group that included the CEOs of Google, Amazon, Apple, IBM and Microsoft.

The president assured the executives that cybersecurity has been a priority for his administration since taking office in January.

“But the reality is, most of our critical infrastructure … is owned and operated by the private sector,” Biden added. “So I’ve invited you all here today because you have the power, the capacity, and the responsibility, I believe, to raise the bar on cybersecurity.”

The media were ushered out at the conclusion of the president’s remarks, but the White House later issued a fact sheet with highlights from the ensuing closed-door session.

Apple presented plans for a program to work with its thousands of suppliers to spur ongoing improvements to security in the technology supply chain, while Google vowed to spend $10 billion over the next five years on enhanced software and online security.

Google also that it will enable 100,000 people in the US to acquire digital-skills certifications which can open the door to high-paying jobs.

Along the same lines, IBM undertook to train 150,000 people in cybersecurity skills over the next three years, with an emphasis on bringing more minorities into the industry.

Biden cited estimates that the US needs an additional 500,000 cybersecurity specialists to fill existing vacancies in the government and private sector.

Software giant Microsoft announced an investment of $20 billion over the next 5 years in expediting efforts to “integrate cybersecurity by design and deliver advanced security solutions.”

The company likewise pledged to increase its cooperation with educational institutions and non-profits on training in cybersecurity. EFE jcr/dr