|
Otter takes steps to protect state computer
networks |
|
January 17, 2017 |
Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter signed an executive
order Monday enacting the recommendations of his
Cybersecurity Task Force. They include
appointing a “Director of Information Security”
to lead efforts to detect, identify and thwart
hacks on the State of Idaho’s computer networks.
The Cybersecurity Task Force was created in July
2015 and led by Lieutenant Governor Brad Little.
It included State agency directors and
specialists from the private sector.
“I appreciate the diligence and hard work of the
members of the Task Force in addressing this
critical and urgent issue,” Otter said. “We
learned this past year, firsthand, just how real
the threat of cyberattacks is when the
Department of Fish and Game’s licensing vendor
was hacked. Having a comprehensive plan to
protect the personal information of our citizens
must be a top priority.”
In developing the recommendations contained in
Executive Order 2017-02, the Task Force worked
with business and industry experts, counterparts
from other states, and national cybersecurity
specialists.
Its recommendations are aimed at supporting
State agencies in implementing national best
practices in cybersecurity. They also address
the need for employee education and training and
call for development of a public outreach
program to share best practices and up-to-date
information.
“This is not a quick fix or a one-time solution.
Addressing cyber threats will require a focused,
ongoing effort to match the ever-changing
technology landscape,” Lieutenant Governor
Little said. “However, I’m confident that the
Task Force’s recommendations will lay the
foundation for heightened awareness and
appropriate preventative measures to protect our
State government cyber capabilities and the
privacy of all Idahoans.”
The search for a Director of Information
Security will begin after the Legislature has
considered funding for the position, which will
report directly to the Governor. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
