Otter boosts online safety
BOISE (AP) - Gov. Butch Otter has created a task force intended to strengthen the state's protections against computer hackers.
Otter on Monday announced that he signed an executive order creating the Idaho Cybersecurity Cabinet Task Force.
"We have seen dozens of cyber attacks that seem to be increasing in frequency and boldness, costing our businesses and taxpayers untold billions of dollars each year," Otter said in a prepared statement. "I believe in the old Boy Scout motto: 'Be prepared.' By signing this executive order, I want Idahoans to know that our state continues to prepare to meet any cybersecurity threat, whether from viruses, malware, and security breaches to outright theft of personal and private information."
Otter said the task force will develop policies, programs and strategies to find vulnerabilities and prevent attacks. The task force will also be charged with promoting a culture of cybersecurity awareness in which all Idahoans are vigilant and aware of vulnerabilities and cyber risks.
"Idaho's thriving business community, along with state agencies that provide essential services, face real threats posed by cyber criminals around the world," Otter said. "This task force will work on strengthening our defenses to proactively protect data and infrastructure."
He said the state's long-term economic competitiveness is linked to cybersecurity.
Lt. Gov. Brad Little is chairing the task force, which will include representatives from the Idaho Bureau of Homeland Security, Idaho Transportation Department, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho State Police, Department of Administration, Tax Commission and universities.
"Idaho's long-term economic competitiveness is intimately linked to cybersecurity," Little said in a prepared statement. "But our companies and government networks are not the only ones vulnerable to cyber attacks. All Idahoans are under threat if our state is not vigilant about protecting our citizens' privacy."
The first meeting is planned for Sept. 16.