Letter

Staff -- Multichannel News, 7/31/2000

To the Editor:

The June 26 article, "Securing Cable's New Digital Terrain," by Julius Adams, was very informative and helpful. While the piece addresses the extent to which the security of the system poses a threat to cable providers, the various levels of criminal infiltration the author points out are concerns for all broadband industries.

With the development of interindustry technology, securing all aspects of cable-from equipment to content-is a process in which all service providers should be actively involved.

Our main concern at the National Cable Television Association's Office of Cable Signal Theft is securing systems-old and new. As the industry's largest clearinghouse of security information and resources, we have a great interest in protecting systems, content and customers.

We are, however, disappointed that Adams failed to point out some of the recent efforts and advancements the industry, legislators and law enforcement have made to combat the hacker incidences. In that respect, we would like to call attention to some of the latest developments helping to bring security to the forefront of the industry.

Efforts by the Coalition Opposing Signal Theft and the OCST for the industry include:

• Regional educational seminars for member companies;

• Liaison with federal and state law-enforcement agencies to establish fair practices; and

• Creating educational materials such as CD-ROMs and public-service announcements for promoting broadband-protection strategies.

• Recent developments for interindustry protection include:

• Strong high-tech crime legislation in Oregon, Nevada, Florida, Texas and Pennsylvania;

• The FBI Internet Fraud Complaint Center; and

• Precedent-setting prosecution of high-profile theft cases.

The NCTA's Office of Cable Signal Theft will provide additional information or materials upon request. We can be contacted by phone at 202-775-3684 or by e-mail at ocst@ncta.com.

Daniel J. Backo

Director

Office of Cable Signal Theft

National Cable Television Association