ATLANTA, GA --January 19, 2016 -- The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG) is forming a trade association called the National Technology Security Coalition. Headquartered in Atlanta, the purpose of the National Technology Security Coalition is to effectively forge a coalition of information security stakeholders to reverse the accelerating pace of digital or physical disruption to information systems of U.S. companies, governmental authorities and individuals.
NTSC's mission will be accomplished in part by promoting policies and legislation with respect to information security, conducting networking forums for information security professionals to share their expertise and delivering a continuum of professional development programs to equip members with innovative cybersecurity solutions.
Tim Callahan, Senior Vice President, Global Chief Security Officer for insurance giant AFLAC, contends "the National Technology Security Coalition will provide an opportunity for CISOs to learn more about policies and regulations that impact their ability to respond to ever-evolving cybersecurity threats."
Increasingly, cybersecurity has become vital as individuals, companies and governmental entities converge in this ever-evolving digital world and as cybercrimes on information systems are at an all-time high. Last year, PwC evaluated the frequency and impact of cybercrime attacks from more than 10,000 US executives and information security experts. In their 2016 Global State of Information Security Survey, PwC reported "the number of detected disruptions increased by 38% from 2014 to 2015. In most security breaches, employees' information was the top source of compromise".
Given the proliferation of smartphones and emergence of cloud-based technology, hackers can increasingly access detailed user data. Unfortunately, individuals are unaware that they are leaving a trail of data, permitting hackers to steal individuals' private and sensitive data information such as credit card numbers, banking account numbers, and Social Security numbers.
This new technology security coalition will benefit from Georgia's robust cybersecurity ecosystem. Metro Atlanta's cybersecurity market ranks third in the nation. The state has more than 115 information security companies generating more than $4.7 billion in annual revenue which accounts for about 25 percent of the global security revenue market share. In addition, Georgia is the home to the US Army Cyber Command and the Cyber Center of Excellence located in Augusta and has over eight nationally recognized cybersecurity programs at colleges and universities throughout the state.
President and CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia, Tino Mantella says NTSC will not only further the national dialogue on information security, but also position Georgia to further gain national prominence in this burgeoning cybersecurity market.
"Cybersecurity has become a top priority for Georgia and other states," said Calvin Rhodes, Chief Information Officer for the State of Georgia and Executive Director of the Georgia Technology Authority. "I look forward to the value the NTSC will bring in helping professionals better ensure the safety and security of government systems and constituents' personal data. The National Technology Security Coalition expects to be fully organized and hosting its first series of meeting by spring of 2016.
About The Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
TAG is the leading technology industry association in the state, serving more than 30,000 members through regional chapters in Metro Atlanta, Athens, Augusta, Columbus, Macon/Middle Georgia, and Savannah. TAG's mission is to educate, promote, and unite Georgia's technology community to foster an innovative and connected marketplace that stimulates and enhances a tech-based economy.
The association provides networking and educational programs; celebrates Georgia's technology leaders and companies; and advocates for legislative action that enhances the state's economic climate for technology. TAG hosts over 200 events each year and serves as an umbrella organization for 34 professional societies. For more information visit the TAG website at http://www.tagonline.org/
