Cybersecurity Must Be a Constant Priority

The digital age has benefits and disadvantages that we are perpetually balancing, but one clear downside is the opportunity for bad actors to access, steal and even hold hostage individual and collective data. This a lesson we continue to learn and why our practices should always adapt to better protect sensitive information or critical networks and systems.

October is designated as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to promote the importance of taking action to safeguard against these threats.

Right here in Arkansas, we have seen the impact cyberattacks can have in the public and private sectors. Unfortunately, hackers and scammers have exploited certain vulnerabilities with great effect.

A recent presentation to the Arkansas Joint Legislative Auditing Committee revealed that, over the last two years, there have been more than 250 cases of cyberattacks against state and local governments across our state. That includes a data breach of a major third-party software provider that exposed files on students and retirees as well as ransomware strikes against higher learning institutions, state and local agencies as well as a local school district.

These incidents can pose serious challenges not just for individuals whose sensitive, identifying information is compromised. They also have the potential to jeopardize the delivery of essential services unless the criminals behind this digital sabotage have their demands met.

Not only does that fallout sow uncertainty – it can also be costly and demoralizing.

The good news is that in addition to taking simple steps like using strong passwords, regularly backing up data and constantly being vigilant against impersonators seeking to steal information or infiltrate networks, the level of alertness to defend against cyber threats in The Natural State is rising.

That was evident most recently in the Cybersecurity Summit convened by Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin this month. The event brought experts, stakeholders and policymakers together to discuss the current landscape and highlight efforts to enhance preparedness against risks posed by foreign adversaries and domestic criminals.

One key takeaway was to take cyber defense seriously, because failing to do so could have major implications personally, disrupt broader economic activity and even threaten national security. As Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Director Jen Easterly warned, anything connected to the internet is capable of being compromised.

Attacks targeting pipelines, food suppliers and water treatment facilities have demonstrated the crucial need to invest in capabilities and resources to improve our ability to prevent them.

I have been proud to support the growing push to develop the tools and workforce aimed at countering cyber crime. Higher education curriculums at UA Little Rock, the University of Central Arkansas, UA Pine Bluff and through the University of Arkansas System Criminal Justice Institute (CJI) are all expanding cyber instruction and helping train more professionals to fortify critical infrastructure, protect networks and systems, and better prepare individuals to avoid falling prey to this evolving phenomenon.

Last fiscal year, I secured federal funding for the Forge Institute – an initiative based in Arkansas – to seed a pre-accelerator program that will foster innovation and entrepreneurship to develop business models and products geared toward cyber resilience. I also continue supporting investment in the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium, which partners with CJI to deliver research-based cybersecurity training to local jurisdictions, counties and the private sector across Arkansas and the nation.

These efforts and others all indicate how serious this issue is, as well as the commitment in Arkansas to defend against it. I will continue working with partners in government, education and private industry to ensure we are protected now and into the future.