As the year draws to a close, consumers everywhere are
preparing for a fresh start in 2010.To compliment the spirit of renewal, President Obama announced Monday
night that Howard Schmidt, security industry veteran and one-time cybersecurity
advisor during the Bush administration, has been selected to fulfill the
prestigious and much-needed role. The White House Cybersecurity Coordinator and
his designated team will work within the National Security Staff and have
regular contact with the President in order to swiftly address issues of
national cybersecurity.
According to Network
World, Schmidt has an extensive history in regards to his involvement in
the security industry, including former positions as chief security officer for
giants Microsoft and Ebay. Hopefully, Schmidt’s new position will mean a
greater opportunity for security enhancement and the reduction of cybercrime in
2010.
However, businesses and consumers alike should still take
steps to solidify their personal security efforts. Businesses looking ahead to
the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) Red Flags Rule, which will go into effect on June 1 of the coming year, should
also examine their preexisting security programs and consider incorporating
extensive fraud prevention measures.