Governor Jared Polis today issued an executive order directing all state agencies to take immediate steps to prepare for and respond to potential cyberattacks. The order comes in response to a recent increase in cyberattacks targeting state and local governments across the country.
Under the executive order, state agencies are required to:
- Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment of their cyber security systems
- Implement a multi-layered security approach that includes both technical and non-technical controls
- Develop a plan for responding to cyberattacks
- Train employees on how to protect themselves from cyberattacks
“The threat of cyberattacks is real and growing,” said Governor Polis. “This executive order is a critical step in ensuring that our state government is prepared to protect its data and its systems from cyberattacks.”
The executive order also directs the Colorado Department of Public Safety to create a cyber security task force to coordinate the state’s response to cyberattacks. The task force will be made up of representatives from state agencies, law enforcement, and the private sector.
“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility,” said Polis. “This task force will bring together experts from across the state to share information and develop strategies for protecting our state from cyberattacks.”
The executive order is the latest in a series of steps that the Polis administration has taken to improve the state’s cybersecurity posture. In 2020, the administration created the Office of Cybersecurity and created a cybersecurity strategy for the state. The administration has also invested in new cybersecurity technologies and training for state employees.
“Cybersecurity is an ongoing challenge, but we are committed to doing everything we can to protect our state from cyberattacks,” said Polis.
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