STATEHOUSE (Feb. 23, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced State Rep. Chris Judy's (R-Fort Wayne) legislation to create a cyber civilian corps to help the state counter cyberattacks, which try to damage or destroy computer networks or systems.
According to a study by the IT security firm KnowBe4, the median cost of a cybersecurity breach costs states between $60,000 and $1.8 million, and the average ransom demanded by cybercriminals from 2013 to 2020 was over $835,000. Government agencies are especially targeted because they have vast amounts of sensitive information like citizens' Social Security numbers, addresses and voter registrations.
"In the 21st century, the new warfare is cyber," Judy said. "Whether that's malware or ransomware or phishing emails, it's hitting businesses, critical infrastructure, hospitals and government. And while we see many cases in the news, there are many more we don't hear about."
To combat this surge in cybercrime, Judy's legislation would establish the Indiana Cyber Civilian Corps Program Advisory Board. The board would make recommendations to lawmakers on establishing and deploying a cyber civilian corps comprised of expert volunteers who could quickly respond to cyberattacks on state and local government.
In 2019, a malware attack on Howard County government targeting personal financial information spread through their computer network. Last year, a ransomware attack shut down the Indianapolis Housing Agency's technology system for weeks.
The task force would be under the Indiana Adjutant General's jurisdiction, who could deploy volunteers to respond to cyber threats. Cyber civilian corps members would receive certain liability protections, and undergo a background check and be vetted through the Indiana State Police.
"It's my hope that Hoosiers who are knowledgeable about cybersecurity will help protect our communities from these ongoing threats," Judy said. "This bill is about giving us more tools to combat these issues quickly, which could protect Hoosiers and their information, and critical infrastructure."
House Bill 1266 now goes to the Indiana Senate for consideration. View legislation, and watch session and committee hearings at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Chris Judy (R-Fort Wayne) represents House District 83,
which includes portions of Allen and Whitley counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
