National Institute of Standards and Technology

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, develops and promotes measurements, standards, and technology to enhance productivity, facilitate trade, and improve the quality of life. NIST also develops standards and guidelines for the protection of sensitive federal computer systems. The National Security Agency (NSA) is the U.S. cryptologic organization. It coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to protect U.S. information systems and produce foreign intelligence information.

Peter Neumann, Ph.D., principal scientist in SRI's Computer Science Lab and a noted figure in computer security, was given the NIST and NSA's 2002 Computer System Security Award in June 2002. The award is given annually for outstanding contributions toward the advancement of computer security technology, and is generally considered the most prestigious award in the area of information security and assurance. Dr. Neumann's book, "Computer-Related Risks", is in its fifth printing.

Dr. Neumann has helped create many of the fundamental principles in building secure computer and communications systems, and has energized and led debates on national issues related to security, reliability, human safety and trustworthy design.

Read the NIST press release.