New findings based on ITI, National Conference of State Legislatures Research Partnership

WASHINGTON D.C. – Cybersecurity and IT modernization are top issues for state legislators and leading technology companies in 2021, according to new research released today by global tech association ITI and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The findings also show a strong interest among state legislators in learning more about cybersecurity and IT innovation.

“Given the mounting cyber-attacks and expansion of tele-citizen services amidst the coronavirus pandemic, this research underscores the essential need for secure and modern information technology networks in U.S. state and local governments,” said Gordon Bitko, ITI’s Senior Vice President of Policy. “ITI is poised to be that critical conduit between industry and government to ensure states have the essential tools and resources to meet their IT and security needs.”

Legislators also highlighted the need for more public-private partnerships for cybersecurity training, education, and talent development in the survey.

“Partnering with NCSL on these critical assessments will serve as a foundation for many fruitful alliances ahead and help us better address the unique IT challenges facing state and local governments,” said Rhoda Washington, ITI’s Senior Manager of Policy. “It is more important than ever that we bring all parties together at this critical time.

The results were announced during ITI’s first State IT Committee Meeting of 2021. ITI President and CEO Jason Oxman, Gordon Bitko, and Rhoda Washington highlighted ITI’s state and local public sector efforts to bring government and industry together to tackle state-specific risks and vulnerabilities, like these key issues, in a trusted and transparent environment that does not compromise innovation or competition. North Carolina Representative Jason Saine, who serves as Senior Chairman of the North Carolina House Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks about the importance of public-private partnerships to modernize state IT systems to ensure they are safer and more secure.

The research was conducted to better understand and address the unique needs and views of state-level policymakers across the country. It consisted of an online survey and two focus groups with state legislators and policy staff that are members of the NCSL Cybersecurity Task Force and NCSL Privacy Working Group. ITI also surveyed its membership to better understand their priority issues ahead of the 2021 legislative season.

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