October 2, 2017

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MNIT Communications

As cyber-attacks become more advanced and more common, the state of Minnesota needs resources to safeguard state services and protect its citizens’ personal information.

St. Paul, MN: October is “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” in the state of Minnesota, as proclaimed by Governor Mark Dayton and Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith. On average, malicious cyber-attackers probe Internet-accessible state systems over 3 million times each day to find vulnerabilities. These attacks aim to disrupt government services, steal citizen’s private data, or use government resources to conduct illegal operations.

The Proclamation draws attention to the need for visibility and public education around this critical issue. During the last legislative session, Governor Dayton recommended a $27 million investment as part of a broader package to consolidate the State’s data centers and equip the State's cybersecurity team with additional staff, tools, and services that it needs to combat cyber-attacks. None of that $27 million, however, was funded by the legislature.

Further demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity, Governor Dayton also signed on to the Compact Improve State Cybersecurity at the National Governor’s Association Summer Meeting this past July. The three main pillars of the compact include efforts to build cybersecurity governance, prepare and defend the state from cybersecurity events, and grow the nation’s cybersecurity workforce.

“In a time when public trust in government is often called into question, we all must recognize that the basic commitment made by government to protect and defend its citizens now extends to cyberspace,” said Commissioner Thomas A. Baden, Jr. “We have a shared responsibility to act in defense of Minnesotans' private data and the services they rely upon. We must work together to make needed investments in order to protect the people of Minnesota.”

Minnesota IT Services secures and manages systems at over 1,300 locations across Minnesota, and every day, it faces threats originating from over 150 countries.

Most recently, calls for investment and the prioritization in cybersecurity have been growing in Minnesota. When Secretary of State Steve Simon’s Office revealed that Minnesota’s election systems had been targeted by hackers, the Star Tribune Editorial Board penned this response.

“September saw two major data breaches: one at Equifax, and another at the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Minnesota is not immune from similar attacks. We cannot afford to lose public trust in the work we do, and we do not have millions of dollars to spend on damage control efforts,” said Chief Information Security Officer Chris Buse. “Raising awareness about this issue is key. Knowing about cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities allows us to be proactive and take preventative measures.”

While Minnesota IT Services will continue the fight to protect citizen’s personal information and keep state systems running, you can learn how to keep your personal information secure online. Throughout October, Minnesota IT Services will provide tips and resources to educate individuals about safeguarding private data.

Minnesotans are encouraged to gather information about State efforts, share resources, and learn more in our section on cybersecurity.

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