Wilson Joins Senate Colleagues in Vote to Improve Protections Against Cyber Attacks
Bill Creates the Ohio Cyber Reserve, A New Division of the Ohio National Guard
October 10, 2019
Steve Wilson News
COLUMBUS—State Senator Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) today joined his Senate Colleagues in approving House changes to Senate Bill 52, which will create the Ohio Cyber Reserve—a new division of the Ohio National Guard that specializes in cybersecurity.
"Cyber security continues to be a growing concern for businesses, elections officials and everyday citizens," said Wilson, who co-sponsored the legislation. "I was proud to stand with my Senate colleagues today and support legislation that will enhance the Ohio National Guard's ability to deal with various types of cyber attacks."
The new force will consist of qualified, civilian cybersecurity experts and maintain regional Cyber Response Teams capable of deterring, mitigating and remedying cyber attacks against our local governments, businesses, critical infrastructure and citizens.
Additionally, the bill includes stronger auditing requirements that will ensure the accuracy and integrity of elections while also giving Ohioans increased confidence when submitting a ballot.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), has the support of Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Adjutant General John Harris and the Ohio Association of Election Officials, a bipartisan organization representing employees of county boards of elections.
“Almost daily we hear about another government or business that was attacked by cyber hackers,” Gavarone said. “This legislation is going to allow Ohio to fight back against hackers so that our citizens will be better protected from their devastating attacks.”
Senate Bill 52 will now go to Governor DeWine for his consideration.
"Cyber security continues to be a growing concern for businesses, elections officials and everyday citizens," said Wilson, who co-sponsored the legislation. "I was proud to stand with my Senate colleagues today and support legislation that will enhance the Ohio National Guard's ability to deal with various types of cyber attacks."
The new force will consist of qualified, civilian cybersecurity experts and maintain regional Cyber Response Teams capable of deterring, mitigating and remedying cyber attacks against our local governments, businesses, critical infrastructure and citizens.
Additionally, the bill includes stronger auditing requirements that will ensure the accuracy and integrity of elections while also giving Ohioans increased confidence when submitting a ballot.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green), has the support of Secretary of State Frank LaRose, Adjutant General John Harris and the Ohio Association of Election Officials, a bipartisan organization representing employees of county boards of elections.
“Almost daily we hear about another government or business that was attacked by cyber hackers,” Gavarone said. “This legislation is going to allow Ohio to fight back against hackers so that our citizens will be better protected from their devastating attacks.”
Senate Bill 52 will now go to Governor DeWine for his consideration.