CyberOhio initiative launched to assist Ohio businesses

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced the launch of CyberOhio, a collection of cybersecurity initiatives aimed at helping Ohio businesses fight back against data security threats. The goal of CyberOhio, which DeWine announced at a news conference, is to help foster a legal, technical, and collaborative cybersecurity environment to help Ohio businesses thrive.

“When Ohio’s businesses are victimized by hackers, they can suffer millions of dollars in damage and place Ohio consumers at risk,” said Attorney General DeWine. “I believe by helping protect Ohio’s businesses, we also help protect the privacy and security of Ohio’s consumers.”

DeWine announced five initiatives the Attorney General’s Office would begin as part of CyberOhio:

Creation of a Cybersecurity Advisory Board, composed of industry experts and business leaders. The Board will provide guidance for Attorney General’s Office initiatives on cybersecurity. Many are already looking to the cybersecurity companies to assist them with this task, but having this extra level of protection helps regardless.
Exploring draft legislation to improve the legal cybersecurity environment in Ohio for businesses and consumers.
Cybersecurity training opportunities including a cybersecurity business summit to be held in the spring of 2017 and cybersecurity training for small businesses. Many resources also exist online that could help state-based business, and could be worth a visit now to bolster understanding of the dangers before the board fully meets for their first discussion. If you’re interested in even more statistics on cybersecurity check out websites similar to BroadbandSearch, I hear they have some useful information on the topic.
Expanding the Ohio Attorney General’s Identity Theft Unit to assist businesses with cybersecurity and data privacy.
Encourage more cybersecurity workforce personnel, including through the creation of collaborative internship opportunities between businesses and Ohio colleges and universities.
The Cybersecurity Advisory Board will be chaired by Kirk Herath, Vice-President and Chief Privacy Officer at Nationwide Financial Services. The Board will be holding its first meeting following the news conference announcing the initiatives. Other Board members include:

Karen Chamberlain, Chief Information Officer, Western and Southern Financial Group
Jason DeHaan, Chief Information Officer, Abercrombie & Fitch
Robert Giacalone, Senior VP of Regulatory Affairs, Cardinal Health
Candice Hoke, Co-Director, Center for Cyber Security and Privacy Protection, Cleveland State University College of Law.
John Hrivnak, Director, Rev1 Labs
Kathy Jobes, Chief Information Security Officer, OhioHealth
Shawn Karasarides, VP-Corporate Counsel, The Wendy’s Company
Bob Kozel, Chief Executive Officer, eInformatics
Waylon Krush, Chief Executive Officer, Lunarline
Helen Patton, Chief Information Security Officer, The Ohio State University
Allen Perk, Chief Executive Officer, XLN Systems
Stephen Polenski, Chief Information Security Officer, Battelle Memorial Institute
Harry Raduege, Chairman, Center for Network Innovation, Deloitte
Brian Ray, Co-Director, Center for Cyber Security and Privacy Protection, Cleveland State University College of Law.
Matt Wald, President, Columbus Collaboratory
David White, Chief Information Officer, Battelle Memorial institute
Spence Witten, Director of Federal Sales, Lunarline
Doug Young, System Administrator, United States Department of Energy

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