200 Computer Security Officiers Conference

SUMMARY

In cooperation with IRS, FTA will hold a conference for state revenue computer security officers (CSOs) March 7-8, 2007. It is designed for attendees who have full time responsibility for computer and data security in the tax administration agency, or who are otherwise responsible for that function. It is also open to employees of central computing agencies and to state contractors responsible for providing security tools or building secure systems such as data warehouses and the like. Below is information on the workshop and a registration form. The reservations deadline is Thursday, Feb. 1, 2007.

In cooperation with IRS, FTA will hold a conference for state revenue computer security officers (CSOs) March 7-8, 2007. It is designed for attendees who have full time responsibility for computer and data security in the tax administration agency, or who are otherwise responsible for that function. It is also open to employees of central computing agencies and to state contractors responsible for providing security tools or building secure systems such as data warehouses and the like. Please note, however, that discussions will focus on matters relevant to state revenue computer security officer duties and responsibilities. The registration fee for the meeting (which will take place just after the FTA Compliance Workshop March 4-7 in the same hotel) is $195.

This initiative grew out of discussions by the FTA-IRS TAG (Tactical Advisory Group), which was established in 2003 to coordinate e-filing and other efforts of the states and IRS. In 2005, the TAG created a Security Subgroup (TAG-SS) of state agency representatives to address information security policy, processes, and standards as they relate to IRS/State relationships in tax administration activities.

Conference Objectives
The aims of the conference will be to (1) help state information technology security personnel understand IRS expectations and security requirements to be better able to effectively implement the requirements of Publication 1075, (2) to provide an information transfer of technology tools from the IRS to the state organizations, and also (3) to establish relationships with other state and federal security personnel to allow networking and information sharing of best practices. The conference will feature general and breakout sessions. On the morning of March 9, the TAG-Security Subcommittee will meet; government attendees are invited to sit in.

Program
The agenda and registration form are attached. Online registration is also available.

Hotel
The Computer Security Workshop will be at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, 621 St. Louis Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70140. The room rate is $148 per night (which is the federal per diem amount) plus tax, which is currently 13 percent, plus $2 per room per night. The hotel is located in the French Quarter and is within walking distance to restaurants. Reservations are available by calling 800-578-0500 or 504-529-5333, or going to using the hotels online reservations. Use the Group Code of 11600705016.

Hotel reservations must be made by 5 pm on Thursday, Feb. 1 to get the special FTA rate. Note that there is a penalty for cancellations within 72 hours of arrival.

Registration. The registration fee will be $195. This covers an opening reception and a continental breakfast and luncheon on Thursday. The deadline for registering for the conference itself is Feb. 20; late registrations are subject to a $35 penalty.

You can FAX or mail the registration form with your payment or complete the online registration form.

We hope that your staff will be able to attend this first-ever workshop for computer security personnel.