On Thursday, May 12, 2022, Governor Larry Hogan signed the measures that lawmakers had approved to earmark significant investments into cybersecurity to help protect some of Maryland’s most critical infrastructure and establishments. Let’s examine what brought this law into being, and what businesses need to emulate in their own operations.

Let’s begin our examination by reviewing what these bills actually do.

SB0754 - Local Cybersecurity Support Act of 2022

This bill creates a new division within the Maryland Department of Emergency Management—the Cyber Preparedness Unit—while also establishing assorted requirements and procedures where cybersecurity incidents are concerned. This involves things like reporting requirements and notification requirements.

SB0812 - Coordination and Governance

This bill adds the Office of Security Management to the Department of Information Technology and establishes the Maryland Cybersecurity Coordinating Council. As it does so, it also establishes cybersecurity and reporting standards for the state’s executive branch and local-level entities.

HB1205 - Modernize Maryland Act of 2022

The Modernize Maryland Act focuses on public and large-scale subsidized private water and sewer systems, requiring these systems to evaluate their potential vulnerability to cyberattacks and develop a plan based on these vulnerabilities. This act also defines the process that these entities can follow to receive financial assistance to meet these requirements.

All in All, Maryland has Earmarked About $570 Million for Cybersecurity and IT Upgrades

When you look at it on a macro scale, this is a sound strategy. As state senator Katie Fry Hester said, “Now, everything is electronic: our drinking water, our transportation, our public safety, our education, our financial systems—this is the government’s responsibility to maintain.”

This fact has been reinforced across the country in recent years, as we’ve seen national headlines devoted to attacks on public infrastructures and supply chains.

All Organizations Need to Be Equally Prepared

From government organizations to businesses of all sizes, cybersecurity needs to be a priority, with a specific and customized plan formed to each. At Dresner Group, we’re able and committed to craft a cybersecurity strategy that resolves your greatest risks.

Interested in learning more? Reach out to us at (410) 531-6727.