South Dakota Boosts Cybersecurity Efforts with ‘SecureSD’ Initiative

In a strategic move to fortify the digital infrastructure of its local governments, South Dakota is seeking to hire a company to review vulnerabilities in its cybersecurity landscape. This announcement was made by Attorney General Marty Jackley’s office earlier this week, underlining South Dakota’s proactive stance in countering cyber threats that have increasingly become a concern for state and local authorities.

South Dakota’s Cybersecurity Strategy

The cybersecurity initiative, formally referred to as the SecureSD: Cybersecurity for Municipalities and Counties Initiative, is a significant collaboration between the Attorney General’s Office and Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison. The program is designed to enhance the security of locally operated systems important for managing elections, tax collections, and various other sensitive data.

DSU, known for its strong focus on cybersecurity education and research, will meticulously review proposals to evaluate and optimize firewall configurations for local government networks. These firewalls are critical as they help protect computer networks by monitoring traffic and blocking unauthorized access, ensuring that essential services remain uninterrupted.

The Financial Backbone of SecureSD

The initiative is financially backed by a substantial $7 million allocation from the state’s general fund. This fund was earmarked by South Dakota lawmakers last year specifically for bolstering cybersecurity defenses. Despite turning down federally available funds twice during former Governor Kristi Noem’s administration, the state has committed its own resources to this crucial cause.

Rising Threats and the Need for Action

South Dakota has witnessed its share of cyber incidents in recent years, which highlights the urgency of this initiative. A notable cyberattack in 2021 affected city services in Brown County, while a 2019 ransomware incident in Hutchinson County disrupted $4 million worth of county business by targeting receipts and records. These instances underscore the susceptibility of local government networks to sophisticated cyber threats.

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center reported a significant 10% spike in consumer complaints regarding cybercrimes in 2023, totaling 880,413 reported incidents. This reflects a broader national trend where financial losses due to these crimes have reached a staggering $37.4 billion.

Competing for the Cybersecurity Contract

Interested companies are invited to submit their bids to tackle the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of South Dakota’s local governments. The bidding process remains open until February 28, providing a critical opportunity for cybersecurity firms to contribute to the state’s defense against malicious digital attacks.

The administration of former Governor Kristi Noem had previously opted not to apply for South Dakota’s share of $1 billion in federal grant funding allocated for enhancing local cybersecurity. The state’s current efforts largely stem from initiatives proposed by Senator Casey Crabtree, R-Madison, emphasizing locally developed solutions.

Conclusion

South Dakota’s SecureSD: Cybersecurity for Municipalities and Counties Initiative represents a crucial step in safeguarding the state’s digital infrastructure. The collaborative effort between the Attorney General’s Office and DSU not only provides a robust defense mechanism for local systems but also serves as a testament to the importance of local expertise in dealing with global cybersecurity challenges.

As the state turns its focus towards a more secure cyber future, South Dakota stands as an example of how regional governance can effectively rally around the protection of vital public resources in the age of digital threats.