MAXIMUM SECURITY

New York is one of the first cities to appoint a data-security chief.
By Steve Towns

In a rare move for local government, New York City appointed a chief information-security officer to take a comprehensive look at the city's data security. R.A. Vernon, a former private-sector security consultant and security manager, became New York City's chief information-security officer late last year. Acting much like a CIO on information-security issues, Vernon is creating citywide security standards and building a security architecture designed to protect government software applications and networks. "I was brought in to develop a new organization for the city that deals with information security, risk management and computer threats," said Vernon, who operates within New York's Department of Investigation.

"We'll be developing processes to ensure that the information infrastructure is protected, both internally and externally. We'll be evaluating security products and developing security solutions." While executive-level security positions such as Vernon's are unusual today, observers expect them to gain popularity as electronic commerce forces governments to rethink the way they protect information assets.

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