Growing Concern about Data Breaches

U.S. Postal Service, Department of State! Who’s next? The recent string of hacks into U.S. federal agencies laid bare the clear and present danger that cyber threats pose not just to consumer and business data, but also especially to federal agencies and critical infrastructure.

The Bay Area Council’s Cybersecurity Committee met this week (Nov. 20) to discuss awareness strategies for policy makers and the need for California’s critical infrastructure systems—water, transportation and energy—to be part of the cybersecurity discussion. These interdependent systems rely heavily on advanced communications systems making them vulnerable to cyber breaches. Committee members discussed the need for R&D to protect those systems, preventing cascading disasters from one mode to the next, and developing new approaches that are less inherently vulnerable as possible strategies to minimize the risk.

The Committee continues development of its 2015 program, which includes creating a focused regional dialogue on building cyber resiliency and raising awareness in incumbent legislators and staff members on cybersecurity issues. Special thanks to DLA Piper for hosting the meeting. To get involved in the Council’s cybersecurity policy work please contact Senior Advisor Matt Gardner.