Virginia heeds Obama call for cyber threat-sharing
Virginia will launch the first state-level organization to promote information-sharing about cyber threats between the government and the private sector.
The announcement by Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) on Monday responds to a recent executive order from President Obama encouraging the creation of Information Sharing and Analysis Organizations (ISAOs).
{mosads}The news also coincides with “cyber week” on Capitol Hill, in which the House will vote on two cyber threat-sharing measures that grant liability protection to companies that swap hacking intelligence with the government.
McAuliffe described the new efforts as the “logical next step” to a variety of cybersecurity initiatives in Virginia. The governor issued his own executive order on cyber policy in February 2014, prompting the creation of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission.
ISAOs are seen as a crucial step in fighting hackers bent on stealing data and destroying computer networks, both public and private.
Obama’s February order directs the Department of Homeland Security encourage the creation of ISAOs. The groups could take many forms, according to a summary fact sheet, including a “not-for-profit community, a membership organization, or a single company facilitating sharing among its customers or partners.”
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