NEWS ROOM   |   Press Releases

For immediate release: September 12, 2008
Contact: Shawn Karrick

Senator Norm Coleman (MN) Introduces Bill to Strengthen State Government Cyber Security

(Lexington, KY) - The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) supports and urges adoption of the new cyber security bill announced by Senator Coleman of Minnesota. In an effort to protect state governments and their residents from the daily barrage of attacks that threatens their cyber infrastructure and sensitive personal information, Senator Norm Coleman introduced the State Cyber Security Protection Act of 2008 on September 10. This legislation establishes a State Cyber Security Pilot Program within the Department of Homeland Security to provide money to strengthen cyber security within state governments. The pilot grant program is authorized at $25 million a year for 2 years and the maximum a state can receive is $3 million. The program also stipulates that funds must be spread around to states with varying population levels to ensure both large and small states receive these resources. Click here for the full press release from Senator Coleman’s office http://coleman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=4d975873-0933-a3c0-368d-c6d8c6ba5b6b

As outlined in NASCIO's 2008 federal Call for Action, the cyber infrastructure that enables state government to both conduct business and protect federal programs administered by the state is under attack each day by external and internal threats. These threat vectors continue to grow in numbers, as well as severity. Today’s cyber security threats directed at state governments are characterized as:

• Constantly evolving due to rapidly emerging technologies
• Growing ever more sophisticated, target-specific and virulent
• Disruptive and profitable by organized crime and a preferred method for generating income through cybercrime activities
• Increasing geopolitical and criminal exploit attempts directed against states
• Escalating internal threats as data becomes increasingly mobile and employees are unwittingly lured to release sensitive information into the public domain

During NASCIO's annual Fly-In earlier this year, the Association called for a federal grant program to specifically fund state cyber security protection efforts, including provisions that these funds should be directed by the State Chief Information Officers. Click here for NASCIO’s 2008 Call for Action http://www.nascio.org/advocacy/dcFlyIn/

NASCIO is the premier network and resource for state CIOs and a leading advocate for technology policy at all levels of government. NASCIO represents state chief information officers and information technology executives from the states, territories, and the District of Columbia. The primary state government members are senior officials who have executive level and statewide responsibility for information technology leadership. State officials who are involved in agency level information technology management may participate as state members. Representatives from other public sector and non-profit organizations may also participate as associate members. Private sector firms may join as corporate members and participate in the Corporate Leadership Council.

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For information regarding NASCIO, please contact Shawn Karrick, NASCIO Membership and Communications Coordinator, at (859) 514-9156 or skarrick@amrms.com.

AMR Management Services provides NASCIO's executive staff. For more information about AMR visit www.AMRms.com.