ASSEMBLY STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 1912

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

      The Assembly State and Local Government Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 1912.

      This bill requires State employees to receive training regarding using best safety practices while utilizing State computers.

      The bill requires the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) in the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, to establish the cybersecurity training program for all State employees in the Executive and Legislative Branch of government who have access to a State computer.  The bill requires the Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness to adopt guidelines to implement the program.

      The training should include a review of best practices for using State computers including updating passwords; detecting phishing scams; preventing ransomware, spyware infections, and identity theft; and preventing and responding to data breaches.

      The NJCCIC provides cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting.  Located at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center (ROIC), the NJCCIC promotes Statewide awareness of local cyber threats and widespread adoption of best practices.

      Cybersecurity is a growing concern for State government and the private sector.  It has enormous implications for government security, economic prosperity, and public safety.

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2024-2025 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.