The digital age is a double-edged sword that can open opportunities but also cause injuries.
Maximizing benefits while minimizing harm is the goal of Missouri's new Cybersecurity Task Force. Members of the task force, made possible through a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, were among the participants at the Governor's Cybersecurity Summit on Tuesday.
Immediate access to information and communication through the internet has evolved exponentially since the late '90s.
And governments, health care providers, law enforcement agencies, businesses, educators and more have been working separately to secure private information from hackers.
The question could be asked: Why did it take so long to create a task force combining state and local representatives of these professions?
Possible responses are the grant funding wasn't available previously and/or the exponential growth of technology has increased potential threats. Discussion Tuesday indicated concerns have moved beyond privacy and now include commerce, economic development and public safety.
The stated goals of the task force are to encourage best practices for information sharing; train personnel to use technology and defend against hackers; and harden critical infrastructure to withstand cyber attacks.
Gov. Jay Nixon, the host of the summit, said cybersecurity "is really important economically." He added: "In addition to enhancing security of Missouri's personal information and enhancing our cybersecurity efforts, we'll also strengthen our economy and Missouri's position as a hub of high-tech jobs and innovations."
Public safety was addressed by Missouri Cyber Information Security Officer Mike Roling, who said: "With everything being connected, human safety is now on the radar. A data breach is terrible, but the loss of life as a result of not being able to secure or manage software within cars, traffic signals, water supply controls or hospital equipment is absolutely horrifying."
The potential threats outlined at the summit are consequential, and formation of the task force is overdue.
We encourage the members to proceed with zeal and purpose.