Cisco Systems is serious about network security, and about its implications for the critical infrastructures on which developed nations depend. Cisco predicted that the Internet would change the way we work, live, play and learn. Just four years ago this was considered a bold statement, but today few would argue that the Internet is changing every aspect of our lives. The Internet economy is creating a level playing field for companies, countries and individuals around the world. In the 21st century, the big will no longer outperform the small - rather, the fast will beat the slow.

The Internet was originally built to share information among scientists and other researchers in a trusted academic environment. No one considered the need for information security or that its commercialization would proceed as rapidly as it has. Over the last 10 or 15 years, we have gradually become dependent on networks, not only for conducting electronic business, but also for delivery of vital goods and services, like electricity, communications, water, oil and gas, as well as controlling transportation and financial transactions. Network security solutions are equally applicable to both the private sector and government networks. While network protocols, vulnerabilities, countermeasures, and best practices are common, regardless of business sector, function, or mission, no two companies or federal departments will have the same requirements or optimum solutions at any given time. And those requirements and solutions will change over time.

At this time, however, we do not ask legislatures for new laws in the area of Internet security. Cooperation, not regulation or legislation, will insure that the Internet remains secure and at the same time open to the broadest possible public access.

The Internet is, and should always remain, an open medium. No one can insulate the Internet and everything connected to it from all threats or guarantee that no attack on any particular Internet site will succeed. Even our oldest, most established public infrastructures pause on occasion -- power and telephone lines come down, water mains break, highways become clogged - and, like them, the Internet will occasionally have localized difficulties.