Robert H. Smith School of Business
Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise
University of Maryland

The Workshop

FINANCIAL SYSTEMS AND CYBER SECURITY:

A PUBLIC POLICY PERSPECTIVE

The information revolution has not only introduced new technologies, but has changed the way business is conducted. Economic transactions increasingly take place via digital electronic activities focused primarily on the interconnectivity obtained via the Internet. A critical part of this interconnectivity is the way organizations have integrated their accounting and financial management systems with Internet–based applications. The resultant dependence on, and the importance of, the Internet to private and public organizations are well known.

As a result of the above noted developments, cyber security has moved to center stage. Indeed, cyber security (with its emphasis on information and computer security) has itself become a key issue for private and public organizations in the digital economy. The public policy implications of cyber security are now being actively debated. The new Department of Homeland Security has certainly highlighted the importance of this debate.

In order to help form the debate concerning the relations among financial systems, cyber security, and public policy, the Journal of Accounting and Public Policy is pleased to announce that it will sponsor the first forum on the topic. The title of the forthcoming forum is: Financial Systems and Cyber Security: A Public Policy Perspective. The forum will be held at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business, in cooperation with the Center for Public Policy and Private Enterprise (from Maryland’s School of Public Affairs), on May 28, 2004.

Papers have already been submitted and accepted for this Forum. If you have further questions, plesae contact Dawn Pulliam at 301-405-8258.