Cybersecurity and Privacy in Government

Description

The cybersecurity aspects of government and critical infrastructures have become a hot topic for countries all across the globe. Information Technology has become pervasive in all aspects of our lives. The minitrack examines aspects associated with the security of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) used by governments and critical infrastructures and explores ways that IT can enhance the ability of governments to ensure the safety and security of its citizens.  Of especial interest are systems such as industrial control systems, SCADA, and process control networks which control infrastructures that include electricity (Smartgrid), pipelines, chemical plants, manufacturing, traffic control and more.

Governments have also embraced IT to interface with citizens in a more efficient manner. Security issues have risen to the forefront as a result of data disclosures and identity theft incidents discussed in mainstream media. Other issues include intellectual property theft and criminal acts involving computers. Recently, the issue of cybersecurity information sharing has also risen in importance and much has been written and debated on this subject. Issues surrounding the common need for security, while the authority to defend and ownership of the assets may reside in different entities. In the US, most critical infrastructure is privately owned, but regulated by government – how does this affect cybersecurity efforts. The challenges and questions in the policy space are significant, with plenty of room for significant research.

This mintrack explores research into pressing issues surrounding the intersection of cybersecurity and government spheres of influence. Whether technical or policy, from information sharing to new analytical methods of detection of insider threats, this minitrack casts a wide net to bring cross disciplinary thinking to problems with far-reaching implications.

This is a wide focus minitrack, if your research involves security associated with IT or OT, and has a government component, then this is its home. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Systems for governments to respond to security events
• Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP)
• Cyber physical systems security
• Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) and control systems
• Election Security
• Cybersecurity issues during a crisis such as a pandemic
• Information assurance and trusted Computing
• Information sharing
• Information security economics
• Information warfare
• Incident response
• New threats, including insider and nation states
• Digital forensics
• Privacy and freedom of information
• Security management
• Laws and regulation of IT security
• Security concerns of new technologies
• Cybersecurity in government disaster recovery and business continuity
• Case reports related to security experiences within government

Marketing Plan

           This minitrack has been successfully operating for over a decade.  During that time we have built up a group of researchers who regularly attend as well as regularly submit publications for consideration.  The Minitrack chairs have built up a list of individuals who we send information to on the conference who we also ask to share with their colleagues.  We also send information on the conference and the mini-track to departments in academic institutions that have security programs.  Additionally, when conferences were attended in person, flyers were taken to other conferences to advertise the HICSS conference and the call for proposals.

Minitrack Leaders