State of Michigan honored for cybersecurity strategy

The state of Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget is being honored for its demonstrated leadership in cybersecurity with a CSO50 award. The annual awards recognize 50 organizations for security projects and initiatives that demonstrate outstanding business value and thought leadership.

“Being recognized with a CSO50 Award validates the hard work of government and private-sector partners to protect all Michiganders in the event of a cyber attack,” said David Behen, DTMB director and state chief information officer. “Effective cybersecurity requires the effort and vigilance of everyone, from government officials to children on tablets. We are proud of the groundwork we have laid with this response plan but know that we cannot rest on our laurels.”

Michigan was specifically recognized for the creation of a comprehensive Cyber Disruption Response Plan (CDRP). This plan provides a framework for responding to cyber threats and identifies roles for various public and private organizations. The standardized responses protect the health, safety and economic interests of Michigan’s residents and organizations by reducing the impact of cyber-related events.

“The stakes have never been higher when it comes to protecting an organization’s sensitive data from criminals and breach,” said Joan Godchild, editor-in-chief of CSO. “Security leaders are expected to not only deliver protection, but also to drive business initiatives. Our annual CSO50 awards recognize security projects that not only enhance defense, but that also deliver ROI.”

Michigan’s CDRP is widely regarded as a national model. It was used by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) to author their Cyber Disruption Response Planning Guide and will be featured in the upcoming National Governors Association (NGA) Cybersecurity Policy Academy.

DTMB will accept its award at the CSO50 Conference + Awards in May.

Launched in 2013, the CSO50 Awards recognizes 50 organizations for security projects and initiatives that demonstrate outstanding business value and thought leadership. The CSO50 Awards are scored according to a uniform set of criteria by a panel of judges that includes security leaders, industry experts and academics.