By Heide Brandes | Bridge Tower Media Newswires
As the use of Internet technology continues to grow across the globe, so do the attempts to access devices through spam, invasive viruses, hacking and other criminal activities. In turn, federal and state laws are created to keep computers, personal information and sensitive data safe from computer crime.
Nationwide, states are focusing more and more on cybersecurity. Initiatives like increased funding for improved security, requiring governmental agencies to implement security practices, protecting against threats to critical infrastructure and instituting tough penalties for computer crimes are being passed.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, in 2016, 28 states considered laws dealing with cybersecurity. Fifteen of those states enacted legislation on security practices in government agencies, cyber and computer crimes and suspensions from the state Freedom of Information Act if information could put critical information or infrastructure in danger.
Editor’s note: Initial research shows two cyber bills did not pass in the Arizona Legislature.
“With more and more of our day-to-day activities and transactions being conducted on the Internet, data privacy and security is a global concern. Regulation of data privacy and security in the United States, however, is lacking consistency. In the United States, most data and privacy laws are propounded by individual states. The few federal cybersecurity regulations pertain to the healthcare and financial industries, and even those are not comprehensive. Without consistent and comprehensive regulations, it is especially important for individuals to educate themselves about their Internet activity and what information they are making available.”
