SAINT PAUL, MINN. – The Star Tribune reported today that the Minnesota judicial branch’s website has come under attack from hackers, taking it off-line. House DFL Leader Paul Thissen released a statement, saying it is unfortunate that the House Republican majority did not take the issue of cyber security seriously during the 2016 session.
Governor Dayton requested $20 million for MN.IT cybersecurity efforts and an additional $10 million for the Office of Minnesota Management and Budget to bolster our state’s response to cyber attacks. Unfortunately, the House rejected those requests. Their budget included $500,000 to “study the problem”. The final supplemental budget funded $2 million of the $10 million request from MMB with no funding for MN.IT’s $20 million request.
“Cyber security is a serious public safety issue for Minnesotans, but House Republicans didn’t take it seriously this session,” said Thissen. “Just like their rejection of needed funding at our security hospital in St. Peter, they are neglecting basic functions of government. Clearly, this latest attack shows that we have more work to do to ensure that Minnesotans are safe from cyber attacks in the future.”
Earlier this year in the Senate Veterans Division of the Minnesota Senate Finance Committee, Major General Richard C. Nash testified in support of Governor Dayton’s cyber security proposal saying, "What keeps me up at night is the thought of a future devastating cyber incident in Minnesota. Cyber Security is a matter of public safety, and that is why it is a priority for citizen soldiers and airmen of the National Guard."
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