Arizona selected for policy academy on cybersecurity ahead of elections

PHOENIX– The National Governors Association awarded Arizona the opportunity to participate in a cybersecurity policy academy ahead of the 2020 election.

Arizona is one of six states that will receive training from the association’s staff to improve the communication between election officials and cyber-related risks prior to the election, according to a release.

“Through this program, we can enhance the positive work happening across our state to make sure Arizona remains at the cutting edge of cyber defense and is as prepared as possible to protect against cyber threats ahead of the coming election,” Governor Doug Ducey said in the release.

Ducey and Secretary of State Katie Hobbs sent a joint letter to the association in May to apply for the program.

Participants will receive assistance to develop practices to ensure the integrity of state and local elections, including generating response plans for potential attacks on the system.

In March 2018, Ducey issued an executive order to create the Arizona Cybersecurity Team (ACT). The team is composed of experts at all levels of the government that work to protect Arizonans from a cyberattack.

Arizona is home to almost 70 cybersecurity companies. It also has institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, the University of Arizona and Arizona State University which each have unique programs dedicated to the education of cybersecurity.

Additionally, the state is home to the Fort Huachuca Army Base in Sierra Vista, which is home to the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence and the Network Enterprise Technology Command 9th Signal Command headquarters.

The other states include Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, Idaho and Virginia.

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