New Jersey Senate Bill S3451

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Supplemental appropriation of $200,000 to the New Jersey State Police Cyber Crimes Unit.

Impact

The allocation of funds is intended to aid the Cyber Crimes Unit in expanding its training programs and responses to cyber incidents. As the prevalence of digital threats continues to rise, the bill seeks to fortify the state's defenses against these crimes, thereby having a direct impact on public and private sector cybersecurity resilience in New Jersey. The infusion of funds will support the Unit's initiatives to combat issues like malware, ransomware, phishing scams, and general cyberattacks targeting businesses.

Summary

Senate Bill S3451 proposes a supplemental appropriation of $200,000 to the New Jersey State Police Cyber Crimes Unit. This funding aims to enhance the existing New Jersey Business Cyber Security program, which is designed to provide training and resources to various organizations, including civic, business, and educational entities, on the importance of internet safety and computer security. The bill is positioned as a means to bolster efforts against increasing cyber threats that include fraud and identity theft.

Contention

While the bill primarily focuses on appropriations to strengthen cybersecurity measures, there may be underlying concerns regarding the adequacy of state funding for law enforcement agencies. Some stakeholders could argue about the efficient allocation of such funds, questioning whether the investment is sufficient considering the scale and complexity of cyber threats facing New Jersey businesses. The potential return on investment from these appropriations may also spark discussions regarding overall strategies in enhancing the state's cybersecurity posture.