New Homeland Security Chief Knows IT

In tapping Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Ridge to be the director of the new Office of Homeland Security, President Bush has picked someone recognized as an advocate of information technology and the important role it plays in government.As governor, Ridge has been out in front on issues such as preparing for year 2000, bringing government services online and using technology to improve government operations.Ridge will coordinate security issues involving 40 federal agencies and departments, such as interactions between the FBI and CIA, and will work with governors and state agencies to prepare for potential attacks.The Sept. 11 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon have raised the awareness of the vulnerabilities of the nations critical infrastructures, such as transportation, finance, telecommunications, electricity, water and information technology. The role of IT is central because it is used to manage and operate these infrastructures.Similarly, many of the central components of homeland security, such as protecting the infrastructures, gathering intelligence, tracking suspected terrorists and responding to attacks, will rely heavily on IT, according to industry officials.