Last month’s ransomware attack on the city of Baltimore caused unprecedented and ongoing disruption, prompting a national conversation on the increased susceptibility of local and state governments to cyber attacks.
To contend with evolving threats, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed an executive order this week to bolster the state’s cybersecurity resources.
“In today’s world of emerging cyber threats, it is crucial that we work in unity to improve the processes and procedures designed to protect Marylanders and to manage and minimize the consequences of cyber events. The steps we are taking today are about ensuring that Maryland’s infrastructure and citizens are as safe as possible from cyber attacks.”
“In today’s world of emerging cyber threats, it is crucial that we work in unity to improve the processes and procedures designed to protect Marylanders and to manage and minimize the consequences of cyber events,” Hogan said in a statement.
“The steps we are taking today are about ensuring that Maryland’s infrastructure and citizens are as safe as possible from cyber attacks.”
Under this executive order, the “Maryland Cyber Defense Initiative” has been established along with the position of state chief information security officer (SCISO), a state-appointed official who will counsel the governor on matters of cybersecurity.
Additionally, Maryland’s Department of Information Technology will be the home of the Office of Security Management, which was created to support the SCISO on cybersecurity strategy and policy.
Finally, the newly instituted Maryland Cybersecurity Coordinating Council will also provide strategy recommendations to the SCISO and will consist of state officials such as the secretaries of Health, Transportation, General Services and Public Safety and Correctional Health.
The executive order holds that it is “necessary for State Government to maintain and constantly improve and adapt plans to combat these threats and hazards, and to implement such plans effectively.”
