Kansas Gov. creates task force to protect digital infrastructure

Governor Laura Kelly today created the Governor’s Cybersecurity Task Force to protect Kansas’ digital infrastructure from increasingly sophisticated cyber-attacks.

The bipartisan task force is charged with developing a comprehensive plan to address potential cybercrime, and protect essential services that Kansans and businesses depend on.

“As cyber-attacks become more sophisticated, it’s critical that we prevent disruptions in essential public services, and protect Kansans’ privacy, economic activity, and public safety,” Governor Kelly said. “Through this bipartisan, collaborative effort, with partners from both the private and public sectors, we will develop a plan to protect our digital infrastructure and improve cybersecurity statewide.”

The Task Force’s specific duties are as follows:

• Facilitate cross-industry and cross-government collaboration to share best practices and mitigate cybersecurity risks related to critical infrastructure and protected systems;
• Identify opportunities to improve the overall cybersecurity posture across all levels of government within Kansas;
• Identify partnerships and avenues to maximize and leverage existing cybersecurity resources within the state;
• Develop a framework for coordinated information sharing, response, simulation, testing, and mutual assistance between the government and private sectors;
• Develop a coordinated and collaborative State of Kansas Cyber Response Plan;
• Recommend appropriate and cost-effective safeguards to reduce, eliminate, or recover from identified threats to data;
• Recommend resources and possible methods to accomplish the recommendations identified above.

The group must submit an initial report to the Governor within the next 90 days, detailing recommendations and proposals for the Task Force’s work. A comprehensive report and recommendations are due to the Governor by December 5, 2021.