Doing Our Part for Public Sector Cybersecurity

With our data-driven culture, data must be and is everywhere. But public sector networks that secure this government information are being targeted by cyber criminals, terrorists and nation states. Cyber threats are growing against government IT and control systems running critical infrastructure and sensors, and the sense of urgency is real. It’s vital to our way of life and livelihoods that governments are able to keeps these systems secured.

At Palo Alto Networks, we continue to contribute to these efforts by creating the Palo Alto Networks Public Sector Advisory Council (formed in 2014), which is a consulting body made up of retired military and civilian officers that advise Palo Alto Networks on the cyber security challenges and technology needs of the world's governments.

This year, we've continued our momentum in the public sector by adding Ryan Gillis to the Palo Alto Networks team. Ryan, formerly Director of Legislative Affairs and Cybersecurity Policy at the White House National Security Council, joins as Vice President of Government Affairs and Policy. His expertise in cybersecurity, and public policy are a valued addition to the team. Welcome, Ryan!

In other public sector news, Palo Alto Networks President and CEO Mark McLaughlin was recently selected by President Obama to serve as Chairman of the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC).  The Committee's mission is to provide the U.S. Government with advice from industry leaders on matters related to national security and emergency preparedness.

Lastly, on Friday, February 13, Mark will join President Obama at the Summit on Cybersecurity and Consumer Protection at Stanford University, speaking on the Public-Private Collaboration on Cybersecurity panel at 9:15 a.m. PT. To learn more about the event, visit the press release here.

To learn more about the Palo Alto Networks’ Public Security Council, please see today's press release or visit here.