Since the emergence of cybersecurity and privacy as high risk issues in the public sector, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) has been at the forefront – identifying risks, reviewing progress of federal agencies, and keeping Congress informed on the latest developments in the cyber and technology arena. In this role, GAO has reported on the most pressing issues in these areas, as a sampling of its 2012 reports illustrates.

• Information Security: Better Implementation of Controls for Mobile Devices Should Be Encouraged, GAO-12-757 (Sep 18, 2012)

• Cybersecurity: Challenges in Securing the Electricity Grid, GAO-12-926T (July 17, 2012)

• Information Security: Cyber Threats Facilitate Ability to Commit Economic Espionage, GAO-12-876T (June 28, 2012)

• Cybersecurity: Threats Impacting the Nation, GAO-12-666T (April 24, 2012)

• IT Supply Chain: Additional Efforts Needed by National Security-Related Agencies to Address Risks, GAO-12-579T (Mar 27, 2012)

These reports have been produced under the leadership of GAO’s Gregory C. Wilshusen who not only has extensive expertise with cybersecurity and privacy, but is one of the most experienced witnesses testifying before Congress on information security, privacy, and data protection issues.

On February 20, 2013, from noon to 1:30 pm, Crowell & Moring’s Washington, D.C. office (1001 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C.) will host an ABA program featuring Mr. Wilshusen on “Information Security, Privacy, and the Government Accountability Office: Perspectives on Risks, Requirements, and Emerging Issues in the Public Sector.” David Z. Bodenheimer (Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP; ABA SciTech Division Chair, Security, Privacy, & Information Law; ABA PCL Co-Chair, Cybersecurity, Privacy, & Data Protection Committee) will moderate the program and Sharon Larkin (GAO Contract Appeals Judge and Assistant General Counsel, Procurement Law; Chair-Elect, ABA Public Contract Law Section) will provide introductory remarks on behalf of GAO. To attend this exciting program in person or by telephone, please register here. For those who register to attend via teleconference, the ABA will provide dial-in information. For any questions, please contact David Bodenheimer (dbodehneimer@crowell.com) or Olivia Lynch (olynch@crowell.com).