On Wednesday, Senator Mark Koran (R-North Branch) presented legislation in the Senate’s State Government and Finance Committee that would establish a Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity. After a recent slew of hacks and the growing threat from technologically savvy criminals, the commission will serve an essential role in providing oversight of the state’s cybersecurity measures while also reviewing state agencies’ policies and preparedness.

“There are people out there prying at Minnesota’s cybersecurity and looking for weaknesses and opportunities to take advantage of our state and its residents,” Senator Koran said. “The Legislative Commission will allow Minnesota to continue to have a focused discussion on our cybersecurity, help us identify vulnerabilities, and allow us to work with industry experts so that we can overcome barriers, implement better practices, and protect the people of this state.”

While Minnesota has a Blue Ribbon Council on Information Technology, the recommendations are not always quickly nor easily adopted or enacted into law. The Legislative Commission on Cybersecurity creates continuity and will ensure efficiency when taking ideas and transforming them into practices and rules.

Senator Koran’s legislation has the endorsement of Minnesota IT Services (MNIT) as well as cybersecurity industry leaders.