State Policymakers Tackling Cyber Issues Including Ransomware

In 2021, North Carolina became the first state to prohibit state agencies and local government entities from paying a ransom following a ransomware attack. This, first-of-its-kind, state law also prohibits public entities from communicating with a malicious actor following a ransomware attack. Instead, they will have to consult with the North Carolina Department of Information Technology when they experience such an attack. On June 28, 2022, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed HB 7055. Effective, July 1, 2022, it requires all state agencies report cybersecurity and ransomware incidents, and that every state employee receives substantive training in cybersecurity. New York, Pennsylvania,…