RSA 2010: DHS boss announces cyber security contest

Janet Napolitano addressing the RSA conference [photo © 2010 RSA Conference]

The Secretary of the US Department for Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new initiative to educate the public and private sectors about the need for cyber security.

Janet Napolitano used her keynote address to the RSA 2010 conference in San Francisco to announce the National Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign Challenge Competition.

The contest is designed to find the best way to inspire companies and the public to protect themselves online.

"All Americans have an important role to play in securing our computer systems and cyber networks," said Napolitano.

"We are challenging our nation's best and brightest to use their expertise and creativity to devise new ways to engage the public in the shared responsibility of safeguarding our cyber resources and information."

Companies or individuals should submit ideas by 30 April, and the winners will receive funding from the DHS to promote the scheme to a wider audience.

The DHS also detailed plans to hire more than 14,000 critical infrastructure protection professionals to secure the national infrastructure.