Senate Takes Lead on Combating Cyber Terrorism

Legislation enforces stricter penalties, creates a program to identify potential risk

ALBANY – New Yorkers confronted with a rapidly expanding threat to their security and finances gained confidence this week after the Senate took action to make the state’s computer infrastructure among the most secure in the nation. Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I-Olean) and her colleagues passed legislation to increase penalties and reduce the risk of cyber terrorism to citizens and businesses.

In recent months, retailers and businesses like Target and SONY Pictures have seen cyber attacks launched on their networks as means of creating economic or political devastation. The attacks have also caused massive damage to businesses and individuals connected to the organizations, including consumers whose personal financial data has been put at risk.

“Cyber terrorism and cyber crime are among the biggest threats to our state and national security. These attacks have the potential to cripple our infrastructure and businesses, and do irreconcilable economic damage to individuals. With New York as one of the financial capitals of the world, residents are put at even greater risk as criminals try to hack into all realms of personal data,” said Senator Young.

“By enacting tougher penalties, establishing a risk assessment program, and increasing the flow of information between the public and private sectors, residents can be confident in law enforcement’s ability to confront this growing challenge. Ensuring greater security for our computer infrastructure will also be a tremendous boost as new businesses and organizations will be able to develop with confidence in their safety,” Senator Young said.

A package of four pieces of legislation passed the Senate this week to confront the growing threat of cyber terrorism.

· Senate bill 3404 creates the new crimes of cyber terrorism in the first and second degree for someone who uses a computer to coerce a civilian population, influence the policy of a unit of government by intimidation or coercion, affects the conduct of a unit of government, or cause mass injury, damage, destruction or debilitation to persons or property.

· Senate bill 3405 requires the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to work with the Superintendent of State Police, the Chief Information Officer, and the President of the Center for Internet Security to complete a comprehensive review every five years of New York’s cyber security measures and issue a report identifying the state’s security needs and updates to meet industry best practices.

· Senate bill 3406 will make it a felony to use a computer or device to carry out a cyber attack that results in over $100,000 in damages to another person, partnership, or corporation, individually or collectively.

· Senate bill 3407 establishes the New York State Cyber Security Initiative, creates a New York State Cyber Security Advisory Board, a New York Cyber Security Partnership Program, and a New York State Cyber Security Information Sharing Program.

“As our world becomes increasingly digital, cyber security is never far from our minds. These bills will promote greater safety and security for residents and businesses across the state and I encourage my Assembly colleagues and the Governor to act quickly to ensure they become law,” concluded Senator Young.