Why It Matters
Symmatrics Inc. engaged Tower Strategy LLC to lobby on Computer Industry, Defense, Homeland Security and Science/Technology issues as the cybersecurity company seeks to expand its presence in the federal market.
Tower Strategy registered Symmatrics as a new lobbying client effective July 11. Symmatrics develops encryption technology using single-use symmetric keys and a Key Distribution Center designed to reduce reliance on long-lived public keys, certificates and credentials. The company published 'The Last Encryption' in June, detailing its approach to encryption and cybersecurity.
By the Numbers
Tower Strategy LLC registered Symmatrics Inc. as a new client in a filing covering Computer Industry, Defense, Homeland Security and Science/Technology issues. The registration lists July 11 as the effective date. The filing does not identify specific legislation.
S. de la Torre and César Dager are registered to lobby for Symmatrics through Tower Strategy LLC. Dager, an associate partner at the firm, previously served as a D.C. staff assistant in Sen. Marco Rubio's (R-FL) office from April 1, 2021, to July 26, 2021.
Broader Context
Defense contractors and technology companies are increasingly lobbying on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and emerging defense technologies. In the defense industry, both legacy contractors and AI-focused startups are making artificial intelligence a core focus of their lobbying efforts.
Symmatrics appointed Joe Reddix as vice president of federal in August as the company works to expand across defense, intelligence and civilian agencies. The company says Reddix's role is focused on accelerating adoption of quantum-secure infrastructure across the federal government.
Federal policy is also placing greater emphasis on the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. An executive order directed the Treasury secretary to establish an AI cybersecurity clearinghouse within 30 days in voluntary collaboration with the AI industry and operators of critical infrastructure. The clearinghouse is tasked with coordinating software vulnerability scanning, validating vulnerabilities and prioritizing remediation and distribution of patches.
Between The Lines
Symmatrics' lobbying registration comes as the company expands its federal-facing operations. The company identifies public-sector, national security and defense organizations among the markets for its encryption technology and appointed Reddix specifically to lead its federal business.
No specific legislation is identified in the lobbying registration, making the precise policy objectives of the engagement unclear. No direct communications mentioning Symmatrics were found in the congressional communications searches.
The Bottom Line
Symmatrics' new lobbying engagement gives the cybersecurity company a presence on Capitol Hill as it seeks to expand its federal business and policymakers focus on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and quantum-resistant technology. The registration covers a broad range of technology and national security issues but does not identify specific legislation the company is seeking to influence.
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