Office of Information Security: annual statewide information security status report.
The bill will significantly impact how state agencies manage and report their information security standing. By instituting a formal reporting mechanism, it seeks to create a standardized approach to evaluating cybersecurity readiness across state government operations. Importantly, the results of these assessments will be confidential, protecting sensitive information about the security status of state systems from public disclosure. The legislation acknowledges a strong state interest in safeguarding critical infrastructures from potential cybersecurity threats.
Assembly Bill 2190 aims to enhance the state's information security framework by requiring the chief of the Office of Information Security to submit an annual statewide information security status report. This report is mandated to include maturity metric scores for each state agency, derived from established performance categories, as well as the results of the National Cyber Security Review conducted by relevant federal entities. The submission of this report is set to begin no later than January 2023, following the enactment of the bill, which adds Section 11549.4.1 to the Government Code.
The sentiment surrounding AB 2190 appears to be largely supportive, particularly among lawmakers and cybersecurity advocates who recognize the importance of fostering a proactive stance on information security. Nonetheless, there are concerns within broader circles about the implications of keeping security reports confidential, as this could compromise public accountability and transparency. Supporters view these measures as essential to protecting citizens' data and state assets from cyber threats.
A notable point of contention with AB 2190 is the bill's stipulation that prevents the public from accessing the status report and any related records, except at the discretion of legislative chairs. Critics argue that this could undermine the public's right to know about potential vulnerabilities in state systems, raising questions about the balance between necessary security measures and transparency. The legislation's approach reflects a broader dialogue on how to effectively manage cybersecurity without sacrificing democratic values regarding public access to information.