The internet is an invaluable tool for all Minnesotans – from connecting our very youngest in the classroom with innovative online applications, to empowering small businesses through e-commerce, to sharing medical information across hospitals to help cure those in need. The digital world is woven into every almost every aspect of Minnesota, a trend that is likely to increase as new technological innovations are introduced.

With increased reliance on the internet comes an increased threat of cyber hacks. We regularly hear news reports of massive data breaches hitting some of the most well-known companies in the US. Cybersecurity is a concern for the business community as attacks have both increased in number and severity in recent years, burdening organizations with both financial and reputation loses.

However, cybersecurity is not just an issue for the private sector.  State systems and Minnesotans’ data are increasingly under attack. Every day, new attacks are launched against state systems that are intended to steal citizens’ private data, disrupt government operations, or use government resources to conduct illicit or illegal operations.  The number of attacks has increased significantly, and those attacks are now more sophisticated and often specifically target state government entities.

Governor Mark Dayton and Minnesota IT Services Commissioner Thomas Baden are working in partnership with leaders across the State of Minnesota to strengthen the state’s cyber defenses through a number of initiatives:

• Proactively managing risk through cyber-first thinking.
• Improving situational awareness by hosting mock exercises.
• Conducting agency risk-assessments.
• Continue monitoring threats and identifying weaknesses.
• Partnering with both local and national entities in information sharing and cyber-defense strategy.
• Creating a statewide culture of cybersecurity awareness.

Even the youngest Minnesotans need to know how to stay safe online. Minnesota IT Services partners with the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) on the annual Kids Safe Online Contest, a national effort by the Center for Internet Security. The popular contest teaches youth how to use the internet safely and securely, while engaging them through a poster content that helps demonstrate the importance of staying safe online.

Increased cyber risk and an increased reliance on technology means greater investment is needed to provide capacity and storage for the large number of devices used and the massive amounts of data collected. The time has come to invest in technology to assure that your data, and the systems that hold your data, are kept safe. The cost of doing nothing is too great.