IDAHO NEEDS TO SHORE UP CYBERSECURITY, TASK FORCE SAYS

Idaho needs to be better prepared to defend against inevitable cyberattacks that could harm individuals, businesses and critical infrastructure, the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force said in a report released this week.

The 34-page report contains 18 major recommendations that include providing active cyber deterrence, increasing spending on cybersecurity, ensuring election integrity and increasing the public’s awareness of cybersecurity threats.

“Across our state and throughout the nation, there have been few more pressing threats than the threat to safety, security and freedom of cyberattacks,” said Republican Gov. Brad Little at a Cyber Security Task Force news conference announcing the report at the Idaho National Laboratory Meeting Center in Idaho Falls.

“This is not a one-and-done,” Little said. “We’re going to implement the baselines from this, but then we’re going to have to continue with these recommendations.”

Among the task force’s recommendations is developing a statewide strategy that provides a clear set of actions to improve the state’s cybersecurity.