[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 119 (Wednesday, June 22, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Page 36126]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-12317]


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DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

National Telecommunications and Information Administration


Wireless Security Public Forum

AGENCY: National Telecommunications and Information Administration, 
U.S. Department of Commerce

ACTION: Notice of Public Meeting

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SUMMARY: 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.

DATES: The Wireless Security Public Meeting will be held from 9:00 a.m. 
to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2005.

ADDRESSES: The public meeting will be held at the U.S. Department of 
Commerce, 1401 Constitution Avenue, N.W., Auditorium, Washington, D.C. 
(Entrance to the Department of Commerce is on 14th Street between 
Constitution and Pennsylvania Avenues, N.W.)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sallianne Schagrin, Office of Policy 
Analysis and Development, at (202) 482-1880, or via electronic mail: 
[email protected]. Please direct media inquiries to the Office of 
Public Affairs, NTIA, at (202) 482-7002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Americans are increasingly utilizing 
cutting-edge wireless technologies in their everyday lives. Many 
wireless data applications are already available, such as the 
increasing usage of smart cell phones and the growing availability of 
technologies such as Wi-Fi. Businesses are also increasing their use of 
wireless devices for remote access to office networks and for consumer 
transactions, such as wireless cash registers or PDAs, which transmit 
personal information of consumers. Other wireless technologies, such as 
WiMax and wireless mesh networks, are likely to become more widely used 
in the next few years.
    The transmission of information over radio waves is inherently less 
secure than transmission by wire. Moreover, the intelligence built into 
leading edge technology is often vulnerable to the same threats as 
other computer or Internet Protocol devices. Understanding the nature 
of these threats, and the possible solutions, is important to 
government and industry alike as these new wireless technologies become 
more widely available.
    NTIA has an interest in these issues as part of its mandate to 
develop telecommunications and information policies for the Executive 
Branch that will advance the nation's technological and economic 
advancement. This event would also further the goals of the President's 
Spectrum Initiative, which include maintenance of U.S. global 
leadership in communications technology development and services.
    PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The public meeting will be open to the public 
and press on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited. Due to 
security requirements and to facilitate entry to the Department of 
Commerce building, attendees must present photo identification and/or a 
U.S. Government building pass, if applicable, and should arrive at 
least one-half hour ahead of the panel sessions. The public meeting is 
physically accessible to people with disabilities. Any member of the 
public wishing to attend and requiring special services, such as sign 
language interpretation or other ancillary aids, should contact 
Sallianne Schagrin at (202) 482-1880 or [email protected] at least 
three (3) days prior to the meeting.

    Dated: June 17, 2005.
Kathy D. Smith,
Chief Counsel, National Telecommunications and Information 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 05-12317 Filed 6-21-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-60-S