Welcome to the Future!
What is happening? The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency doesn’t have the requisite data to protect critical infrastructure when it has no reported data on breaches.
Why is this important? By looking at reported breach data security experts can more easily identify software flaws that allow for breaches.
How will this be important? Breach data is helpful to security experts.
Roll Call | Absence of reporting law limits agency knowledge of cyberattacks
What is happening? In the last 3 years pension funds in CA, NJ, Houston Firefighters, and Fairfax County VA all invested in cryptocurrencies in different forms.
Why is this important? 33% of institutional investors are in crypto. Barriers are coming down for investment including crypto as being considered illiquid.
How will this be important? At least 17 states have started considering regulation of cryptocurrency. The SEC is signaling regulation and the Infrastructure bill contains cryptocurrency reporting requirements.
Route Fifty | Why More Public Pension Funds Are Investing in Cryptocurrencies
What’s happening? In 2021, Congress introduced 35 cryptocurrency measures
Why is this important? Similar legislation has been filed in states. The legislation falls into 3 categories:
How will this be important? This is all new territory with no clear tragectory
Forbes | In 2021, Congress Has Introduced 35 Bills Focused On U.S. Crypto Policy
What is happening? D.C.’s attorney general proposes to shield district residents from discriminatory and biased computer algorithm. This would make it illegal for businesses to use discriminatory algorithms in areas such as education, employment, housing, and with providing services like credit, health care, and insurance.
Why is this important? The policy goal of reducing sexism, racism and boas for ethnic background is gaining steam. Penalties include up to $10,000 for each violation of the guidelines.
How will this be important? This mirrors what’s happening in business right now. “Data & Trust Alliance, a group that includes major corporations, said more than a dozen companies would adopt safeguards to prevent bias with algorithms used for workforce decisions, around issues like recruiting and pay. That group includes General Motors, IBM, Mastercard, Walmart and Meta (the rebrand of Facebook), among other companies.”
Route Fifty | A Proposal to Block Companies From Using Biased Algorithms
What’s happening? Some legal experts say gaps in the law allow warrantless access to your car’s information center. A warrant may be required for your phone but your phone’s information is also stored indoor vehicles information system and that system may not need a warrant.
Why is this important? The internet of things creates gaps in data privacy and rules, regulation and laws are slow to keep up with innovation
How will this be important? The first big lawsuit in your state about information held on the internet of things will lead to changes, be ready. some State Supreme Courts have taken action, like in Georgia where the GA Supreme Court required a warrant for vehicle data information.
Detroit News via Governing | Police Don’t Need a Warrant to Pull Personal Data from Cars
What’s happening? Miamicoin isn’t the only cryptocurrency movement in Florida. Crypto is accepted at real estate and yacht brokers to hair salons and charter jet companies in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
Why is this important? Local charities are starting to show interest in crypto, including crypto donations.
How will this be important? Some say Miami’s Miamicoin is setting a model for other cities.
South Florida Sun-Sentinel | Miami Isn’t the Only Florida Locale Experiencing Crypto Growth
What is happening? Texas candidates for public office can receive contributions in crypto currency.
Why is this important? The Texas Ethic Commission proposed rules will no longer require campaigns to immediately convert the crypto. The proposed rules as filed can be found here.
How will this be important? Rules are anticipated to be adopted in February
What’s happening? Rhode Island is launching a vaccine status app that will make it easier for Rhode Islanders to travel as the CDC issued paper vaccine record is inefficient.
Why is this important? Use of the app by an individual or a business is 100% voluntary.
How will this be important? CA, CO, RI and NJ all use similar apps
Providence Journal via Governing | Rhode Island Announces COVID Vaccination Status Mobile App
What’s happening? The Local Government Insurance Trust in Maryland, where local governments purchase insurance including cyber policies, saw a 300% in cyber insurance premiums. Premiums are expected to rise for 2022 also. The Missouri Insurance Trust saw policies drop from $1 million in coverage to $250,000 and premiums increase from $5,000 to $25,000.
Why is this important? In 2021, 90% of local governments report having cyber insurance. That’s up from 78% in 2020
How will this be important? Insurance experts say local governments need to improve local network security to see the market stabilize.
Route Fifty | Cyber Insurance for Local Governments Costs More, Covers Less
What’s happening? States are passing bills that require disclosure of ransomware attacks.
Why is this important? To paraphrase Indiana state Rep. Mike Karickhoff, who authored his state’s legislation, if your house gets broken into, you will tell your neighbors.
How will this be important? So far states are following the IN approach, requiring only disclosure by governmental entities if they get hit by ransomware. ND followed suit and WV did so too but limited it to qualified cyberattacks.
Stateline | How Common Are Ransomware Attacks? Lawmakers Want to Find Out.