Andrade-Backed Bill to Protect Illinois from Cyber Threats to Take Effect

CHICAGO – Illinois will become the 15th state to adopt mandatory cybersecurity awareness training for state employees when legislation backed by state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, Chairman of the Illinois House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics and IT Committee, takes effect.

“Government is becoming an increasingly targeted sector for cyber attacks,” Andrade said. “When hackers attack a government agency, they are looking for sensitive information, and it’s important that employees are trained in how to protect residents’ personal data.”

The Andrade-backed House Bill 2371 requires all executive branch state employees to undergo annual cybersecurity training on the risks, threats and best practices to defend against cyber threats. As hackers and cyber criminals pursue more sophisticated strategies to steal sensitive data and infect state computer systems, Andrade believes it is crucial for state employees to have knowledge to protect themselves and the state from the impact of cyber attacks.

“Hackers are getting more creative with phishing, spyware, identity theft and data breaches, and we need to be looking at new and innovative ways to help prevent cyber threats,” Andrade said. “Educating state employees about how to prevent and respond to cyber attacks will improve security and help keep residents’ information safe.”

House Bill 2371 passed with bipartisan support and will take effect on Jan. 1.