Monday, January 10, 2000

Clinton Plans to Use Scholarships to Interest Students in Computer Security By BEN GOSE Washington President Clinton proposed a plan Friday to protect computer systems from hackers and viruses -- in part by creating a college-scholarship program for students who agree to work for the government as security specialists. "Today our critical systems, from power structures to air-traffic control, are connected and run by computers," Mr. Clinton said in an appearance outside the White House. "We must make those systems more secure so that America can be more secure." Mr. Clinton will request $2.03-billion for computer security in his 2001 budget request next month, up from $1.75-billion in the 2000 budget, John Podesta, the White House chief of staff, told reporters. In the request, the president will ask for a $160-million increase, to $461-million, in spending on information-security research, and $91-million for new programs. The scholarship program would be modeled after the military's Reserve Officer Training Corps program, aides said. "This program will create a new generation of computer-security specialists who will work to defend our nation's computers," Mr. Clinton said. He noted that starting salaries for such recruits, who are in high demand in the private sector, may have to be sharply increased from existing government pay scales. Mr. Clinton also proposed a new grant-making institute to fill research gaps that the public and the private sectors do not now cover. "The Institute for Information Infrastructure Protection will bring to bear the finest computer scientists and engineers from the private sector, from universities, and from other research facilities to find ways to close these gaps," he said. Easy-to-print version E-mail this article

Texas test required for high-school graduation does not discriminate, judge rules N.C.A.A. chief calls on the organization to give $750-million to needy athletes White, wealthy males are found to gain from SAT accommodations for the disabled President of Educational Testing Service says she will retire Female scholars suggest slowing tenure clock for some women Gay-studies professors debate the pros and cons of the field's popularity among heterosexuals In studying economics, researchers find, men and women perform differently Mentors called a key to success for female and minority law professors Howard U. fires 2 basketball coaches for rules violations Clinton plans to use scholarships to interest students in computer security Faculty report at the University of Illinois casts skeptical eye on distance education Historians differ on impact of distance education in their field