National Telecommunications and Information Administration June 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), U.S. Department of Commerce, will host a half-day public meeting on wireless security entitled, ``Pharmers and Spimmers, Hackers and Bluejackers: Combating Wireless Security Threats.'' The forum is an opportunity for interested parties to discuss existing and potential vulnerabilities that threaten the security of consumers and businesses using new and/or forthcoming wireless communications for voice or data, and private sector and governmental responses to those vulnerabilities. The forum will serve to inform policymakers and industry on issues that may affect the use of spectrum and the growth of wireless industries, while raising public awareness of vulnerabilities. The first panel will address possible threats and security issues concerning new mobile technologies (e.g. Wi-Fi, smart cell phones, WiMax, mesh networks). Panelists will include wireless industry experts, academics, government users, market analysts and researchers. The second panel will discuss the variety of security solutions that might address the problems identified in Panel 1, and the need (if any) for further development of tools and public awareness and education. Panelists will include representative security vendors, wireless companies with hardware solutions, companies and/or government entities involved with education campaigns, and representatives of self-regulatory groups seeking solutions.