Category Archives: Uncategorized

What’s happening? Since 2019, WI has been expending state funds to expand the state broadband network. The numbers: $28.4 million already awarded 39 counties $48 million in second round funding 58 projects to reach 6,159 businesses and 106,000 homes Why is this important? States and cities are all looking to expand broadband access and there’s a lot […]

What’s happening? Oklahoma is considering HB 1759 (2021 | OK) that adds ransomware to prohibited computer related crimes Why is this important? For enforcement purposes the question is whether your jurisdiction has laws that cover the kind of cyber crime which has led to states including ransomware in their cyber crimes statutes How will this […]

What’s happening? Apple will follow the same rules its developers must to label apps with privacy labels. Why is this important? It is said Apple doesn’t police the developer disclosures. And, perhaps we’ll get to that point within the private business or via regulatory or legislative means. How will this be important? Data privacy on […]

What’s happening? HB7013 (2021 | FL) would allow Florida to prevent social media platforms from banning candidates for office. State and local governments would also be banned from doing business with any company in violation of anti-trust laws. Why is this important? By this account there are many people banned from social media, and ride […]

What’s happening? Just when you thought you understood bitcoin and cryptocurrency now it’s time to learn about NFTs, non-fungible tokens. NFTs, they are unique and they represent unique stuff like  artwork or a video file or a text file or a JPEG or pretty much any digital thing that’s non-fungible. Then you set up a […]

What’s happening? A pilot program overseen by the Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security at the University of Texas at San Antonio is here to help local governments be better prepared for hackers. Why is this important? Local officials will be guided to  identify high value assets to better prioritize improvements to information technology infrastructure. Local Governments […]

What’s happening? Delaware has adopted a digital ID. With a state produced App, a person takes a photo of the front and back of a drivers license, and then of their face. The App is then unlocked by finger print or Face ID. Why is this important? A digital ID allows a person to keep […]

What’s happening? Washington State is considering HB 1127 (2021 | WA) that would protect the COVID data that has been collected and assembled by a number of entities tracking the pandemic. Why is this important? This is a big test for protecting health care data and public health. The bill would limit the use of […]

What’s happening? Utah is considering HB 80 (2021 | UT) that would create an affirmative defense for businesses that keep their data protection up to date. There is no liability protection if the company acts negligently. Why is this important? Utah’s approach is different from OH that provided as long as businesses follow certain standards, […]

What’s happening? FEMA is increasing the allocation of grants for cybersecurity funding from 5% to 7.5% + DHS is eyeing new grant programs, administered through the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, to support state and local government cybersecurity upgrades Why is this important? Cybersecurity incidents on local governments and state governments have increased and continue to […]