Building a Better Network: Meeting the Challenges of Cyber Security

The Estonian Information Technology College and the Embassy of the United States of America invite you to attend “Building a Better Network: Meeting the Challenges of Cyber Security,” a speech by U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Michael C. Polt, on October 20th at 16:00 in the auditorium of the IT College, Raja 4C (between TUTs main building and Natural Science Building). As our open, democratic societies increasingly become digital societies, a more comprehensive means of cyber security is critical to maintain the gains we have made and to ensure future progress. Debates on how best to move forward are ongoing at every level, from local governments to the United Nations.
Next month in Lisbon, NATO’s new Strategic Concept will give renewed emphasis to our allied efforts to improve cooperation on cyber defense and security. However, moving from broad strategic outlines to concrete actions will still require tremendous efforts in transforming how we address emerging threats. The defense community is but one element of the response. How do our governments facilitate the kind of interaction that must take place to create a truly comprehensive solution to securing our digital infrastructure?

Estonia is a world leader in e-governance and cyber security with a wired citizenry that is uniquely aware of the importance that security and assurance play in guaranteeing the benefits of the information age. What lessons can Estonia offer the rest of us?

While the United States plays a leadership role in the information technology industry, we are still struggling with our approach to securing our digital infrastructure. We have begun to lay a good foundation, and the debates that occupy us now are vital if we are to get it right. What progress has been made since President Obama declared cyber security to be one of his top priorities? And what does the future hold for U.S.-Estonian cooperation on cyber security?

In this globalized world, the questions facing us are many, and the answers are few. Please join us on October 20th to add your voice to the discussion of how we can build a better network together.