HARTFORD – With the growing threat of cyber-attacks and hacking, State Rep. Charles Ferraro (R-117) announced via press release that he supported legislation to have Connecticut study their potential cyber vulnerabilities and find solutions.
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The legislation, HB-6317, An Act Concerning a Study of Cybersecurity authorizes the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) to study cybersecurity issues and develop recommendations to act against it.
“We must address any shortcomings we have our current state cybersecurity protocols. A disruption or failure due to a cyber-attack can be crippling to citizens and businesses alike,” said Rep. Ferraro.
The recommendations from both DAS and DESPP would include specific actions Connecticut can implement to promote and coordinate communication between government entities, law enforcement, institutions of higher education, the private sector and the public to improve cybersecurity preparedness.
The recommendations would be submitted to the legislature’s Public Safety and Security committee no later than January 1st 2017.
According to the FBI, in Connecticut state officials received more than 400 reports of security breaches in 2013, compromising information of more than half a million residents.
Ferraro said, “These attacks pose serious risks to our infrastructure, utilities, businesses, and consumers. Connecticut has much at stake. It is home to vital industries – medicine, defense, communication, and insurance, among others – for which data security and privacy are of utmost importance.”
The bill received unanimous support in the Public Safety and Security committee and now heads to the House of Representatives for a full floor debate.