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Midwest Cyber Security Alliance urges legislature to focus on Missouri cybersecurity

MCSA says Yahoo breach and others like it will affect millions in Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – News of another major data breach at Yahoo is drawing attention to the importance of cybersecurity across the United States.

Following the disclosure of an attack in 2014 in which 500 million accounts had been hacked, Yahoo announced Wednesday that a separate attack in 2013 compromised more than one billion accounts.

The 2013 attack involved sensitive user information, including names, telephone numbers, and dates of birth, as well as encrypted passwords and security questions which could be used to reset passwords. Yahoo said it is now forcing all affected users to change their passwords.

In light of the massive breach, and several other attacks in recent years, the Midwest Cyber Security Alliance issued a release Thursday, in which it strongly recommended that state legislatures, including Missouri, focus their attention on improving cyber protections and education.

In the release, the MCSA referenced Missouri Sen. Ed Emery’s pre-filed bill, SB 190, also known as the Economic Development and Infrastructure Investment Act, which they says is a positive step toward improving cybersecurity.

One of the things SB 190 specifically addresses is the investment in cyber security to protect the grid and consumer information.

“Protecting Missouri’s utility infrastructure as a whole from cyber hackers is in the best interest of Missouri residents and business owners, large and small,” MCSA Executive Director Sarah Martin said.

Missouri has been at the forefront of cybersecurity and has received several awards for their security programs. In August, Missouri hosted the first ever Governor’s Cybersecurity Summit, and the Information Technology Services Division’s created the Cyber Security Awareness site to help provide information and tips on how to secure information in today’s digital world. State Auditor Nicole Galloway has been a strong advocate in the battle against cyber threats, producing several audits which have work to identify issues and weaknesses in the state.

The MCSA also recommends maintaining a strong statewide IT budget and incorporating cyber education for future generations. With the work across the state taking steps to further education and protection of cybersecurity, the MCSA says the General Assembly too should address the need to protect Missouri’s private and corporate citizens.