In today’s web-and-data-driven world, cybersecurity must be a top priority in both the private and public sector. The state’s current antiquated technology systems put Illinois citizens and their information at risk—something Governor Rauner and the team at the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) are seeking to change.

This week, the Governor’s office and DoIT announced a plan intended to better safeguard state operations and the personal information of Illinois residents, by protecting state of Illinois information and systems, reducing cyber risk, advancing the highest level of cybersecurity capability and a proactive approach to cybersecurity. The plan was developed after a comprehensive risk and cybersecurity capability assessment, and an analysis of current and emerging cybersecurity threats.

A statement from DoIT and the Governor noted that “Illinois’ cybersecurity strategy was specifically designed to rapidly address any current gaps in operations, while simultaneously accelerating progress toward the establishment of best-in-class cybersecurity capabilities. The final plan was developed in partnership with stakeholders across state government, as well as other private and public sector contributors. The National Governors Association (NGA) provided significant support as part of its Policy Academy for State Cybersecurity, which facilitated collaboration across states. Illinois was one of only five states awarded an NGA Policy Academy for State Cybersecurity.”