ITI PRESIDENT AND CEO DEAN GARFIELD: INTERNATIONAL CYBERSECURITY EFFORTS KEY TO ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION.

WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by the Information Technology Industry Council:

Dean Garfield, president and CEO of the Information Technology Industry Council, released the following statement in response to the White House's release of its international cybersecurity strategy:

"ITI strongly commends the framework put forward by the White House today. This new international cybersecurity strategy, which balances our economic goals with our diplomatic and national security priorities, is the correct path forward to help keep the U.S. competitive worldwide while also contributing directly to our long-term economic recovery.

"In their attempts to secure digital infrastructure, a growing number of governments worldwide are enacting cybersecurity-related laws, regulations, and other requirements that are inconsistent with generally accepted norms and standards. The negative consequences are vast. This growing policy patchwork not only results in decreased security for nations, but also disrupts global commerce and ignores the borderless nature of the Internet.

"To date, the international community has lacked the collective willingness to engage in a meaningful conversation on the need for a global approach. Far too often, nations fail to align laws and requirements in a manner that recognizes that this issue is no longer just a matter of Internet security, but also one of economic prosperity. The current economic landscape highlights the urgency to address this head on.

"U.S. leadership is critical to reaching a consensus solution. Again, I strongly commend the Obama Administration for committing the resources and political capital needed to promote U.S. competitiveness and innovation. Our industry looks forward to lending the ideas and best practices of the private sector as this process moves forward. Together, we can make our worldwide networks safer and more secure while also contributing to the strength and well-being of the global economy. It's both an immediate and win-win opportunity."

About ITI

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the premier voice, advocate, and thought leader for the information and communications technology (ICT) industry. ITI is widely recognized as the tech industry's most effective advocacy organization in Washington D.C., and in various foreign capitals around the world.