Cybersecurity is a “critical issue” for all governors and there is a lot of work to be done in order to secure critical infrastructure from cyber attacks, Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper (D.), chair of the National Governors Association, said today during the group’s state of the states address. “The continued growth and sophistication of cyber attacks against the United States makes cybersecurity a critical issue for all governors,” he said. “Crime — like commerce — is now done on the Internet. What used to be stolen in person is now stolen with a keyboard. Cybersecurity is considered one of the largest homeland security threats.”

Gov. Hickenlooper noted that two-thirds of states have adopted, or are considering adopting, recommendations released last year by the NGA Resource Center for State Cybersecurity, which include essential steps governors can take to improve their state’s cybersecurity practices.

“But as we all know, there is much work still to be done to ensure that our networks and critical infrastructure are secure from cyber attacks. Governors will continue to improve the security of vital systems,” Gov. Hickenlooper said.

Meanwhile, Gov. Hickenlooper said that governors are also focused on infrastructure — including broadband networks.  “Governors know that you can’t build a competitive economy without the foundation provided by modernized infrastructure.”

Utah Gov. Gary Herbert (R.), who serves as vice-chair of the NGA, said that the group is disappointed with Congress for not passing the Marketplace Fairness Act last year.

“That act would have leveled the playing field for all retailers and allowed the collection of taxes that are already owed to the states under existing laws,” he said. “Not only is it unfair to other taxpayers who pay their taxes, but this failure to act distorts the marketplace, in effect favoring remote sellers with no connection to our communities, over the businesses that are hiring our people, paying state and local taxes and serving our families.” -Carrie DeLeon, carrie.deleon@wolterskluwer.com

Courtesy TRDaily