SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO AM) How to protect South Dakota's critical infrastructure from cyber-attack was the focus of a meeting in Sioux Falls Wednesday.
Government representatives, utilities, and telecommunications companies brainstormed on how best to cooperate moving forward.
State Public Safety Secretary Trevor Jones says cyberattacks and the potential for disaster will only increase. He says South Dakota needs to prepare just as it would for a blizzard or other natural disaster.
“In our agencies, businesses and organizations, the threat of cyberattacks is real,” says Lt. Gov. Matt Michels. “It makes sense to work together to determine how we can assist one another with cybersecurity issues.”
Besides the Department of Public Safety, other government agencies involved in the cybersecurity efforts include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the South Dakota Fusion Center, South Dakota Bureau of Information and Telecommunications, the South Dakota National Guard and Attorney General’s Office/South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
Private companies and associations involved in the project included SDN Communications, Midco, Xcel Energy, South Dakota Telecommunications Association, MidAmerican Energy, and Verizon.