I look forward to their testimony, and learning more about this complex issue. In particular, I want to welcome Mr. Branigan, who is with the Lumeta Corporation, a company based in Somerset, New Jersey.

Mr. Branigan, it's a pleasure to have you join us today.

With the advent, and continuing growing popularity of the Internet, we have learned a great deal and enjoyed many benefits of the new connectivity.

From streamlining supply chains, to democratizing the broadcast media, the Internet has created a communications revolution that has largely benefited our society.

However, with this growth comes risk.

I am looking forward to this hearing in so much as it will help us to learn more about the growing cyber-security risks that are posed by the connectivity that many of us so enjoy.

Many Americans rely heavily on the Internet- individuals and their families, American businesses and an area that I'm highly familiar with, our financial markets, all utilize the Internet as an integral part of their existence.

Because of this, it is vitally important that we learn more about the threat that disruptions, hacking and other invasive practices pose to our citizens, our economy and our national security.

It is imperative that we do all we can to ensure that we are well-protected from threats posed to our cyber-systems both domestically and abroad.

Again, Mr. Chairman, I thank you for holding this hearing and I look forward to the testimony from our witnesses today.