Accelerating Digital Transformation in State Capitols Through Investments in Modernizing Government IT

By Matt Lenz and Henry Young

As new state legislatures are seated in January, a new survey shows that cybersecurity continues to be the top priority for state Chief Information Officers (CIOs). BSA’s 2023 Global Cyber Agenda: Enhancing Cyber Policy, Advancing Digital Transformation addresses the importance of focusing on comprehensive cybersecurity and how state legislatures can modernize and use software to mitigate cybersecurity risk. Over 400 pieces of legislation were introduced throughout the states to address government IT modernization and cybersecurity.

BSA Identifies Two Major Opportunities for Action in State Government

This year’s global cyber agenda includes issues important to state governments, including (1) modernizing IT and cybersecurity and (2) developing the cyber workforce of the future.

Modernizing Government IT and Cybersecurity

Investments in leading IT and software solutions, including commercially-available products, offer tools that help states bolster their digital transformation and deliver better and more secure services to citizens. States should consider migrating to cloud services and leveraging developing technology and cybersecurity services commensurate with their risk. By implementing technologies like zero trust architecture and multifactor authentication, states can improve overall cybersecurity.

Developing the Workforce of the Future

Developing a skilled and effective cybersecurity workforce is another important tool for states to securely provide services to their citizens while encouraging their economies to continue to grow. Cybersecurity skills are accessible for people of all ages and walks of life, and many good-paying jobs do not require graduate or post-graduate degrees and can be obtained through applicable certifications. With so much of workforce development policy and programs developed on a state or regional level, states have an opportunity to lead in building a modern workforce while enhancing opportunities for state governments to fully execute their digital transformation. This is why BSA supports improving training programs and promoting alternative paths to join the cyber workforce.

State Elected Officials Should Work to Actively Improve Cybersecurity

The bottom line: Cybersecurity is important at both the local and state levels. BSA will continue advocating for increased investments in local and state cybersecurity improvements. Prioritizing the development of a cybersecurity workforce and modernizing government IT are two key policies for ensuring the needs of citizens are met and the key to economic growth.

Author: Matthew Lenz

Matthew Lenz serves as Senior Director, State Advocacy. In this role, he leads BSA’s state advocacy program and drives engagement with state elected officials on important software policy issues. Before joining BSA, Lenz was Director of State Government Affairs for the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), where he helped promote the video game industry and the positive impact of play with state elected officials. He has experience advocating on key policy issues, including intellectual property, first amendment rights, digital privacy, incentives, and innovation. Prior to ESA, Lenz served as Director of State Government Affairs for the Toy Association, leading the association’s legislative and regulatory efforts at the state level on issues related to product safety and environmental sustainability across multiple states in the northeast region. Lenz currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the University of Rhode Island and as a member of the State Government Affairs Council’s (SGAC) Board of Directors. Lenz started his career as the Senior Policy Advisor and Special Assistant Attorney General for the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General. He drove the Attorney General’s legislative priorities on issues ranging from consumer protection to criminal justice. A native Rhode Islander, he holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Relations from the University of Rhode Island and a Juris Doctor from New England Law in Boston, MA. View all posts by Matthew Lenz >>