Senior Security Leaders Discuss Top Threats at ASIS 2014

Meeting Between U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Security Task Force Held at ASIS International

September 29, 2014

Governor Tom Ridge, Chairman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce National Security Task Force, led a dynamic and interactive discussion with a panel of senior security executives from some of the world’s largest organizations at the ASIS International 60^th Annual Seminar and Exhibits (ASIS 2014). The discussion looked at the threats facing multinational organizations, from cyber attacks to supply chain risks. This session was held at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Ga. on Monday, Sept. 29.

“The security of people, property, and information is a common mission shared by members of ASIS and the Chamber’s National Security Task Force. By working in collaboration with one another, our organizations can maximize and leverage the full scope of our resources to advance and fortify our national security,” stated Richard E. Widup, Jr., CPP, in an ASIS International press release. “The CSO Roundtable represents senior security management professionals from the largest and most influential organizations across the U.S. and around the world. The collective knowledge and experience each brought to this important discussion with Governor Ridge and members of the Task Force was invaluable.”

The National Security Task Force, which is comprised of over 170 companies, associations, and state and local chambers, is responsible for the development and advancement of Chamber policy related to homeland security and national security. The Task Force represents a broad spectrum of the American economy and engages Capitol Hill, the administration, and international governments to advance priorities related to cyber security, supply chain, customs and trade facilitation, public private partnerships and emergency preparedness.

“The threat landscape has never been more active and there are serious implications for U.S. business competitiveness around the globe,” said Governor Tom Ridge. “The Chamber’s National Security Task Force was pleased to have had the opportunity to work with CSO Roundtable members to examine how we confront multi-dimensional security challenges from both the policy and operational perspectives.”

Ransomware and the propulsion of the extortion economy has rapidly eclipsed into a national priority. Recently, we observed the catastrophic impact of a widescale ransomware attack impacting gas pipelines and raising national gas prices overnight.