Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy last week appointed Art House to the newly created position as Connecticut’s chief cyber risk officer, where he will work to strengthen the state’s cybersecurity prevention systems.
“As technology expands into every segment of our lives and creates greater convenience and ease, it also brings a new set of challenges and risks, and that includes essential functions such as our public utility systems,” Malloy said. “This position of chief cybersecurity risk officer will serve as a leader for the state who will coordinate the work responsible for enhancing Connecticut’s cybersecurity posture, and safeguarding our cyber systems and critical infrastructure in an ever-evolving threat landscape. We want to be a national leader in these efforts, and we are moving forward in a way that will allow us to be prepared for any contingency and safeguard our residents from cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure.”
Prior to his new appointment, House served as a commissioner for the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), where he developed several different cybersecurity solutions throughout the state’s electric, natural gas and water sectors. Before House’s time at PURA, he served as chief of the communications group for the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency, where he provided geospatial intelligence for the U.S. Department of Defense.
House said cybersecurity risks are increasingly diverse and dangerous. “Improving our defenses will require broad support, partnerships and cooperation. I look forward to working with all stakeholders on this important task,” he said.