American Security Challenge to honor Gen. Alexander

This year's American Security Challenge will feature a  ceremony to honor Gen. Keith Alexander with the 2010 Patriot Award, according to the event's organizers. Alexander is commander of the U.S. CyberCommand under the Defense Department and director of the National Security Agency.

The challenge, which will take place at the Crystal City Marriott beginning at 9 a.m., is for government and corporate leaders, entrepreneurs and investors to share information about cyber threats and to allow companies providing security-related technologies a chance to demonstrate their offerings.

Tom Ridge, former head of the Homeland Security Department, will speak at the event, and there will be panel discussions featuring government and private-sector participants.