Bill readying state's response to potential cyberattacks heads for House Floor – Session Daily

For people charged with digital security in the information technology industry, the mantra is when, not if, a cyberattack will occur. As an example, Rep. Kristin Bahner (DFL-Maple Grove) said states have received FBI and Department of Homeland Security warnings that state-sponsored hackers in Russia have “openly threatened” to attack people or institutions that oppose them or the Ukraine invasion. “They are one bad actor on a very long list.” Ideally, nothing will happen to the state’s information and technology telecommunications infrastructure. But what if something occurs and Minnesotans could not access health benefits, renew a driver’s license or receive a tax refund? Bahner sponsors HF4568, a bipartisan bill that would designate IT infrastructure as critical infrastructure, would reference cyberattacks in much of the state’s emergency management law, and allow the governor to declare a peacetime emergency for a cyberattack on the state’s information and telecommunications technology infrastructure, systems or services. “The intent is to be laser-focused on the preservation of infrastructure assets and benefits to our state and our citizens in the event of a cyberattack,” she said. “The (proposed) legislation provides clarification to allow us to respond more quickly with the partners and resources we need at the…
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