FORT DETRICK, Md. - Representative Roscoe Bartlett welcomed over 200 businesses and several major universities here Monday for a congressionally sponsored conference on security of computers and networks.
During his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. James K. Gilman, commanding general, U.S. Medical Research and Materiel Command and Fort Detrick, noted, "While many people focus on important medical research, some take for granted the critical importance of secure networks both in protecting business and personal computing. These types of events highlight both the new opportunities for business and individuals as well risk to our own information."
Event speakers from several government agencies and small businesses spoke on the evolution of computers in every part of our lives, and held a live "hacking demonstration" by two young men referred to as "Tuna" and "Roamer".
"There is no one system that is better than any other, they are all vulnerable," said "Roamer."
Discussions during the conference covered topics ranging from business opportunities to educational outreach.
"We hope this inspires more people to take advantage of education in math, science, and engineering," Bartlett said during the conference.
Bartlett explained the reason for the conference, saying, "I've organized this symposium in conjunction with the Fort Detrick Business Development Office and BRAC Business Initiative to provide an opportunity for business leaders in Maryland to learn from companies who are succeeding with the complex challenges of protecting the security of their data and infrastructure in our rapidly changing cyber world.
"This seminar includes keynote addresses by senior executives from the National Security Agency, the new Cyber Command & the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as well as scheduled opportunities to network with leading companies to develop key partnerships for capturing market share."
Fort Detrick is already noted as a leader in educational outreach with several programs that assist in the education of students through the Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Sciences/Young Engineers and Scientists Program, as well as several other programs on the installation and in the community.
One small business participant said that he was glad that Fort Detrick partnered in this information sharing event, saying, "The demonstration was helpful in understanding how to protect our proprietary business and personal information through the use of a firewalls and other tools."
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