Unisys CEO Urges New Definition of Security

5 May 2006

Unisys CEO Urges New Definition of Security to Meet Changing Privacy, Identity and Risk Management Concerns

In Keynote at World Congress on IT, Joe McGrath Emphasizes Importance of Visibility to Secure Business Operations

The term “security” must be redefined and expanded to encompass the new global realities of colliding economic, political and consumer forces that demand more accountability from businesses and governments, said Joseph W. McGrath, president and CEO of Unisys Corporation, in his keynote address at the 15th World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2006).

From port security concerns to bird flu risks to large-scale identity thefts and cyber breaches, individuals, businesses and governments think differently today about what security and safety mean. McGrath stressed that as a result, companies and governments need more visibility into their operations to better plan ahead and more effectively manage risk, both for their customers and constituents.

“Seeing today is the path to securing tomorrow,” said McGrath. “Security—in a new world—is not merely about what can go wrong but what needs to go right. Organisations today operate on a slender thread, delicately striking a balance between security as defense and protection, and security as confidence and trust.”

McGrath discussed how the private and public sector must work together to improve security worldwide. He stressed that success demands a framework—a blueprint—to identify, track and trace, and protect people, goods, and information and IT systems. It demands technologies old and new, all connected through a clear digital blueprint.

“That slender thread can unravel or break at a moment’s notice,” McGrath said. “To achieve success, you must be more secure not only in a physical sense, you also need to be more confident. This means an organisation has to be visible—not merely preventing problems but also inspiring confidence in the marketplace.”

Unisys expands on these views in its publication of “Your New World: A Visual Guide to Secure Business Operations,” which offers advice for businesses and governments to meet the new security demands of a global economy. The book discusses the importance for an organisation to be a leader trusted by all its customers and stakeholders, with the visibility needed to read patterns in effective ways to help satisfy marketplace needs today and tomorrow.

In addition to his keynote at WCIT, McGrath participated in a panel of government and private sector experts who further explored this new security paradigm. The panel discussed the visibility and collaboration needed in identity authentication, which is often at the heart of most security initiatives.

Unisys also presented policy proposals to WCIT delegates on the need for standards around procedures and practices in global identity authentication. In developing its proposals, Unisys conducted primary global research to study consumers’ views on privacy and security issues. The research reveals that a majority of individuals worldwide would share personal data if they knew the end user will securely protect their information and they can perceive a clear benefit in convenience gained. For a summary of the survey results, see http://www.unisys.com/services/security/security__program.htm

“Globalisation brings tremendous opportunities, but also more vulnerabilities than anyone could have possibly imagined,” McGrath said. “Security often starts with identity authentication yet, to truly secure their critical business operations today, companies and governments need visibility into first, middle and last miles of the supply chain. They need to protect and manage peoples’ identities, and also protect and manage their products with the necessary visibility to respond quickly to ever-changing consumer and marketplace demands of the new global economy.”

About WCIT
The World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT 2006) draws approximately 2,000 global thought leaders and decision makers from 80 countries, including Fortune 100 CEOs, NGO Presidents, Foreign Ministers, Nobel Laureates, University Chancellors and leading R&D Scientists. Leaders from business, government and academia will discuss IT policy, direct the future of technology and drive social and economic development. The focus of WCIT 2006 is on macro issues around IT innovation and making a positive impact on human lives.

WCIT 2006 officials are collaborating with officials in countries around the world, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Tunisia, United Kingdom and Uruguay to build partnerships, recruit delegates, and build awareness for the event.

World Congress forums have been held in international cities such as Taipei, Taiwan (2000), Adelaide, Australia (2002) and Athens, Greece (2004). The World Congress is held every two years on a different continent and is the signature forum of the World Information Technology and Services Alliance (WITSA), a consortium of 67 information technology (IT) industry associations that represents over 90% of the world's IT market. WCIT 2006, Inc, a non-profit 501 6(C) organization, is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

About Unisys
Unisys is a worldwide technology services and solutions company. Our consultants apply Unisys expertise in consulting, systems integration, outsourcing, infrastructure, and server technology to help our clients achieve secure business operations. We build more secure organizations by creating visibility into clients’ business operations. Leveraging Unisys 3D Visible Enterprise, we make visible the impact of their decisions – ahead of investments, opportunities, and risks. For more information, visit www.unisys.com.

ENDS

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