U.S. Reps. Vince Fong (R-CA) and Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) hosted a cybersecurity roundtable last week with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), local military installations and local community members.
As part of the discussion, attendees focused on current, existing, and future cybersecurity challenges facing California and the Central Valley. Particular attention was paid to developing a local workforce to combat cybersecurity threats, and protecting utility providers and local governments from cyberattacks.
“Cybersecurity is national security. As threats grow and evolve, we must constantly be at the ready,” Fong said. “That means bringing together leaders from every level of government and the private sector to strengthen our defenses and stay ahead of emerging risks. The Central Valley is home to vital infrastructure, agriculture, energy, transportation, and military assets that must be protected. This roundtable will enhance our strategies, ensuring our region is prepared to respond to emerging threats while building a strong cybersecurity workforce for the future.”
Hosted at Cerro Coso Community College, participants talked about the increased sophistication of cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, as well as the need for more and better information sharing and rapid response capabilities. Attendees also discussed opportunities to expand education and training programs that could develop a skilled cybersecurity workforce.
“The cyber threats facing critical infrastructure that Americans rely on have evolved dramatically in recent years, with our adversaries growing increasingly sophisticated. Attacks targeting sectors like telecommunications, energy, water, and transportation systems require a proactive, whole-of-society response,” Garbarino said. “I appreciate Congressman Fong bringing together such an extraordinary group of public and private sector leaders who are on the frontlines of protecting these systems and know the challenges we face firsthand.”