WORKING TOGETHER TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A DATA BREACH
STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS in south carolIna MUST PREPARE FOR THE WORST
Across the U.S., more than 94 million citizens' records, under the care of government agencies, are estimated to have been lost or breached since 2009. Multiply this figure by $194, which is the average cost per compromised record for organizations in the United States, according to the Ponemon Institute's Annual Study, and the numbers become astronomical: nearly $18.2 billion dollars' worth of damage.
The extraordinary amount of personal data collected by public entities makes them attractive targets for cybercriminals and hacktivists, and they face risks from simple human error and disgruntled employees. Unfortunately, the cybersecurity posture of governments is typically lower than commercial enterprises.
CyberSC is leading an effort to help government organizations across the state get access to the information and resources they need to safeguard citizens’ data – from undertaking risk assessments, increasing stakeholder collaboration and investing in cybersecurity talent.
NATIONAL LEVEL RESOURCES
MS-ISAC (Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center)
A focal point for cyber threat prevention, protection, response and recovery.
FBI Cyber Investigations
Information and resources from the FBI on fighting cyber crime.
NASCIO (National Association of State Chief Information Officers)
Resources on cybersecurity awareness and more.
Stop. Think. Connect.
Cybersecurity information from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
US-CERT
Cybersecurity information from the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team
SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNMENT RESOURCES
SOUTH CAROLINA CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE CYBERSECURITY (SC CIC) PROGRAM - COLUMBIA, SC
Operating within the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), the SC CIC Program facilitates information and intelligence sharing, provides protective services, and coordinates remediation and recovery assistance (in partnership with the SC Army National Guard), all in support of the state’s critical infrastructure (CI) assets. The organization is overseen by an executive committee that includes representation from the Office of the Governor, SLED, SC Army National Guard, Department of Administration-Division of Information Security, SC Attorney General’s Office, and private sector stakeholders. SC CIC also maintains a Cyber Liaison Officer(CLO) program, through which CI operators can identify and certify a CLO for their organization to serve as the primary interface with SC CIC. The CLO can then contribute to and benefit from the enhanced information sharing and awareness activities and supporting services provided and/or coordinated by SC CIC.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION, DIVISION OF INFORMATION SECURITY - COLUMBIA, SC
As part of the South Carolina Department of Administration’s Office of Technology and Information Services, the Division of Information Security (DIS) is the lead agent for information security for the state’s cabinet-level agencies. As such, it is responsible for a variety of statewide policies, standards, programs, and services relating to cybersecurity and information systems.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS - COLUMBIA, SC
Established in 1974, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) is the state’s consumer protection agency. In this capacity, the SCDCA helps to formulate and modify consumer laws, policies, and regulations; regulates the consumer credit marketplace; resolves complaints arising out of the production, promotion, or sale of consumer goods or services in South Carolina; and promotes a healthy competitive business climate with mutual confidence between buyers and sellers. Specific to cybersecurity, the Department’s Identity Theft Unit provides guidance and resources to help citizens and businesses identify scams, protect against and report identity theft, and respond to data breaches. The unit also provides periodic reports on security breaches.
SOUTH CAROLINA NATIONAL GUARD, 125TH CYBER PROTECTION BATTALION - HOPKINS, SC
The South Carolina National Guard’s 125th Cyber Protection Battalion (CPB) places the state in rare company, as it is one of only ifve such cyber-focused battalions in the U.S. Army National Guard (USARNG), all of which report to the sole cyber brigade—the 91st Cyber Brigade, headquartered in Virginia. (The other four USARNG cyber battalions are headquartered in Virginia (x2), Massachusetts, and Indiana, though the 91st’s combined assets are spread across more than 30 states.) Soldiers assigned to SC’s 125th CPB can be deployed to active duty to respond to cyberattacks, and partner with SC CIC to provide support to impacted organizations in the wake of cyber incidents. Currently headquartered at McEntire Joint National Guard Base in Hopkins, the unit has enacted a memorandum of understanding with UofSC Aiken to construct a readiness center on the university’s campus as its new headquarters, referred to as the DreamPort. This location will also enable greater collaboration with nearby Fort Gordon, GA, and assets at the Savannah River National Laboratory and its planned Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE GUARD - COLUMBIA, SC
The purpose of the SC State Guard G-2 Cyber Unit is to support the National Guard’s 125th,135TH,145THCyber Protection Battalions and the Defensive Cyber Operations Element (DCOE) State Active Duty (SAD) missions to the extent possible and permissible. The SC State Guard also works with State and Local Governments when needed for Cyber assistance, provides Cyber forensics for State, Local and private sector agencies if requested through SLED, provide Cyber related training for National Guard and SC State Guard Units when requested. They also leverage Public and Private sector Cyber professionals to support the above missions and provide a Cyber Baseline Assessment for SC State Guard units.
SOUTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AND WORKFORCE - COLUMBIA, SC
The mission of the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) is to promote and support an effective, customer-driven workforce system that facilitates financial stability and economic prosperity for employers, individuals, and communities. DEW’s main goal is to match jobseekers with employers quickly, efficiently, and effectively. It provides a variety of workforce services for job seekers and employers at SC Works Centers, Connection Points, and satellite offices in 12 local workforce investment areas across all 46 SC counties.
**Learn about DEW's Cyber Internship Program**
HELP FOR GOVERNMENT STAFF
Here are some tried and true tips for government workers to help prevent cyber attacks.
1. Lock and password protect all personal and agency-owned devices including
smartphones, laptops, and tablets. This includes locking your computer when you step away from your desk at work. You may not always know the people walking around your office and what their intentions are. Encrypt data and use two-factor authentication where possible.
2. Regularly scan your computer for viruses and spyware and keep your software up to date.
3. Dispose of sensitive information properly and according to your organization’s policies.
4. Do not provide personal information or information about your organization, including its structure or networks, unless you are certain of a person’s authority to have the information.
5. Take advantage of cybersecurity training offered by your department or agency.
6. Conceal your work badge and identification when outside of your office building, especially when out in public or when using public transportation.
The SC Cyber Association , a 501(c)(6) non-profit that provides professional development and connection opportunities in the Palmetto State. |
The SC Cyber Foundation , a 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides funding for cyber education in the Palmetto State. |
CyberSC is a member affiliate of CyberUSA |
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