SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 6, 2011) - e.Republic's Center for Digital Government has announced that it will honor the state of Colorado as the winner of its first annual Cybersecurity Leadership and Innovation Award. The award program -- underwritten by McAfee -- recognizes the commitment of government agencies to keep confidential data secure despite evolving threats.
The award will highlight Colorado's early adoption of technology and implementation of processes to mitigate risks and combat security breaches. Colorado appointed its first chief information security officer in 2003, and later passed legislation to establish the Office of the Chief Information Security Officer in 2006. This leadership enables agencies around the state to implement successful cybersecurity plans and continue to be accountable in keeping data safe.
"The proliferation of government data -- while necessary in an information-driven society -- creates challenges for leaders at all levels," said Cathilea Robinett, executive vice president of the Center for Digital Government. "Colorado has continually raised its own game in response to these threats and has become a best practice leader by educating employees, employing processes and utilizing technology to keep the confidential information of its constituents secure. Congratulations!"
The Center will present the award to Colorado officials at the FOCUS 11 Security Conference on Oct. 18-20 in Las Vegas, Nev.
The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a division of e.Republic, a national publishing, event and research company focused on smart media for public sector innovation.