For Immediate Release
Contact: Hillary Crowder Smith, 703-351-2086, [email protected]
Arlington, Va. (February 22, 2016)—NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association issued the following statement today from Senior Vice President of Policy Michael Romano regarding the cybersecurity policy statement circulating at the FCC:
“NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association has long advocated for the need for greater education on how small businesses should approach cybersecurity risk management, paired with a flexible, dynamic approach to cybersecurity measures that operates on a foundation of tailored risk assessments and collaboration rather than strict, one-size-fits-all regulation.
“Attacks are becoming more sophisticated and quickly evolving, and a traditional prescriptive regulatory approach cannot keep pace. To respond to these ever-changing requirements, the Federal government and its industry partners appear to agree that voluntary, business-driven cyber risk management is essential.
“We are eager for the chance to review the details, but NTCA hopes that the forthcoming Policy Statement will capture and sustain this need for flexible voluntary collaboration among stakeholders with shared goals. We also hope that all parties will continue to focus in particular on the substantial need for upfront education so that small businesses can be better equipped to identify and respond to cybersecurity challenges.”
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NTCA–The Rural Broadband Association is the premier association representing nearly 900 independent, community-based telecommunications companies that are leading innovation in rural and small-town America. NTCA advocates on behalf of its members in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and it provides training and development; publications and industry events; and an array of employee benefit programs. In an era of exploding technology, deregulation and marketplace competition, NTCA’s members are leading the IP evolution for rural consumers, delivering technologies that make rural communities vibrant places in which to live and do business. Because of their efforts, rural America is fertile ground for innovation in economic development and commerce, education, health care, government services, security and smart energy use. Visit us at www.ntca.org.