Virginia’s tech industry: ready for the cyberattack challenge?

TLDR:

• Last month, a large-scale cyberattack targeted America’s critical infrastructure, causing a hospital network failure.
• Congress needs to work with innovators to build up cyber defense capabilities as cyberattacks are intensifying each year.

Derron King’s article discusses the escalating cyberattacks that the nation, including Virginia, is facing. The U.S. reported a significant increase in cyberattacks in recent years, with the healthcare and energy sectors being targeted. Virginia, with a large cybersecurity workforce, is a national leader in the industry. However, with the threats posed by sophisticated hackers and nation-state actors, it is crucial for policymakers to support and invest in the cybersecurity sector to protect national security. Priority Defense, founded by King, aims to strengthen companies’ security programs in Virginia and beyond. The Department of Defense has released a long-term industrial defense strategy to ensure a secure technological future. It is essential for Congress to work with tech innovators to enhance cybersecurity infrastructure and avoid legislation that hinders innovation. By supporting the tech sector, Virginia can empower organizations maintaining state and national security.