Gov. Snyder intros next generation cyber policy at Cyber Security Summit in Detroit

By Josie Bryant/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT, MI (Tell Us Det) - Gov. Rick Snyder unveiled the Michigan Cyber Initiative 2015 to an audience of nearly 700 information technology experts and professionals from across the globe at the North American International Cyber Summit in Detroit this morning. The updated cyber policy outlines the bold, necessary steps to protect the state from ever-increasing threats of cyber attacks and further establishes Michigan as a national leader for cyber protection, education and economic development.

Hosted by Snyder and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the summit brought officials from the public and private sectors together to focus on the emerging issues in cybersecurity.

“The role of cybersecurity in the public and private sector continues to gain importance as we steadily conduct more and more business over the Internet,” Snyder said. “Our vision from four years ago isn’t good enough today. We need to consistently review and update as technology evolves. Bringing together national thought leaders at forums such as this is critical to ensuring a safe and secure cyber environment.”

Also speaking was Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on how Detroit had been victimized by cyber crimes, including how a city database was frozen in April and held for ransom.

Duggan said the city database was held for a ransom of 2,000 bitcoins, an encrypted digital currency. A bitcoin is currently worth $401.75, making that ransom worth $803,500. Duggan said the ransom was not paid and it was a database the city didn't use or need.

“It was a good warning sign for us,” he said.

The disclosures by Duggan were part of his address at Michigan’s third summit focusing on cyber security issues in government, business and other sectors at the North American International cyber Summit at Cobo Center.

The Michigan Cyber Initiative 2015 builds upon the success of the 2011 policy, taking the next steps in securing the state’s sensitive data and expanding education to students of all ages to prepare the next generation to safely navigate the cyber world.

“Michigan is in a great position to make strides in cybersecurity,” said Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Director and State CIO David Behen. “We are extremely fortunate to have an executive like Governor Snyder who understands the need to dedicate resources toward protecting the state’s computer systems. Michigan also benefits from having a centralized IT model, which allows state government to adapt quickly to new technologies and threats.”

The North American International Cyber Summit at Cobo Center in Detroit follows successful cyber summits held in 2011 and 2013.

More information about cybersecurity and a link to the Michigan Cyber Initiative 2015 can be found at www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity.