D.C. Thought Leaders ask “Where is Security Actually Good for Business?”

To the CEO who runs the other way when he spots the Security Officer in the hall -- it's time to turn around. Challenged with working in an environment of sensational headlines about data breaches, fear-mongering product vendors and exorbitant compliance-related expenses,an elite gathering of corporate executives grilled the panel on a critical question "Where is security actually good for business?".

Arlington, VA. (PRWEB) October 23, 2006 -- CEOs and Thought Leaders from Global Corporations recently convened at a Washington, D.C. area forum to discuss "Where is Security actually good for business?". Led by subject matter expert Jackie Bassett, CEO of BT Industrials, Inc. a panel of security experts from Lockheed Martin, Intel and Trust Digital shared their insights on where security is actually good for business.

Challenged with working in an environment of sensational headlines about data breaches, fear-mongering product vendors and exorbitant compliance-related expenses, these corporate executives grilled the panel on where security is actually good for business.Companies are besieged by compliance regulations costing millions of dollars. Where is the money in security if you're not a vendor or a Sarbanes-Oxley specialist?

A barrage of specific examples from every Industry on where security can actually increase profits, grow revenues and improve productivity were offered to this elite group who were eager to learn more. Enthusiasm from the crowd spilled out into the hall after the event and several CEOs requested a follow-on session with the panel.

A major Energy company used security to reduce its number of auditable events improving profit margins by over $1.2M dollars from the operational efficiencies. Several financial companies have begun to use security to deliver mortgage credit files electronically, enabling them to take advantage of more favorable interest rates. A HealthCare Facility used security to deliver unfettered access to physician-specialists who can now deliver insurance-reimbursed services 24/7.

True stories of global trading websites where stolen social security numbers and credit cards are openly traded for cash drove home the point that security is not just business, it's personal! 2005 was a banner year for data security breaches and customers are becoming increasingly aware of the potential for Identity Theft. Security professionals were encouraged to leverage that awareness to integrate security into business strategy.

Bassett advised that the companies she works with where security has finally begun to be recognized as a critical part of business strategy tend to fall into 3 categories. First, information-based companies whose databases are considered a balance sheet asset. Often she finds they have the Chief Security Officer sit on their Board of Directors. She recommends that other companies should see that role as the strategic, Board-level position that it is.

"If you don't think security is integral to business strategy, read up on Card Systems whose data security breach in the Spring of 2005 ended in it's assets being up for sale in bankruptcy court by September of the same year." Bassett said.

Second, the mergers and acquisitions market is starting to pay very close attention to how integral security is to business. As one of Bassett's investment banking customers had recently told her "I just don't want to be buying someone else's data breach or pay for intellectual property that someone has stolen."

Third, she advised, are companies in the financial sector because they measure the value of downtime in exact dollars and trust by their customers is a significant competitive advantage in those highly competitive markets.

Security has come a long way from the days when it was something a systems administrator shut off to get the network to run faster. Security is now actually good for business.

About BT Industrials, Inc.

Jackie Bassett is CEO of BT Industrials Inc., a security-consulting firm. Bassett helps CEOs and chief security officers of global 500 companies integrate security into their business strategies and processes. Previously, Bassett worked for Netscreen Security and started her career in investment banking at State Street International. She is co-author with Dan Rothman of DISA, of an upcoming book "A Seat At The Table for CEOs and CSOs" www.btind.com

For Press Inquiries please contact:

Jackie Bassett
BT Industrials,Inc.
(703)485-0282
www.btind.com

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