Illinois Governor Pat Quinn established the Internet Security Task Force with the role of examining what the state of Illinois can do to protect its industries and infrastructures from cyber attacks. This 12-member task force, the first of its kind in the entire United States, is composed of representatives from different sectors in Illinois including the state government, the federal government, aerospace, telecommunications, finance, and educational sectors. In addition, the Department of Homeland Security is extending its support to give any aid necessary to the task force.
The Internet Security Task Force will observe and identify threats that may pose as a privacy problem for internet users stemming from the use of internet browsers, search engines, internet servers, ISPs and various government agencies, and use the information gathered to think of new methods or changes that may prevent serious internet security threats from materializing.
Furthermore, the Internet Security Task Force will find ways to keep the industries and businesses operating in the state of Illinois prepared and protected from cyber attacks. When such an attack happens, the task force will enforce technical procedures that will result to the quickest recovery. The group also aims to spot security holes in current internet technologies to protect internet users against identity theft or cyber crimes.
These measures are enforced with the hopes of making Illinois a prime location to set up cyber security companies and firms as well as making citizens feel more secure visiting websites owned by state governments and help local businesses and industries protect themselves against cyber-espionage.
The Internet Security Task Force is aided by a multitude of organizations such as the Illinois Institute of Technology, Boeing, Motorola Mobility, Argonne National Laboratory, The Northern Trust Company, Illinois State University, CME Group, Fermilab, Resolute Consulting, as well as Tech America.
Matthew Helm, the director of the Illinois State University Business and Intelligence and Technology Solutions section, has been appointed by the Governor of Illinois Pat Quinn to head the Internet Security Task Force.
Helm has always been vocal in his wishes to integrate cyber security principles and practices into the existing curricula in the Illinois State University. He also hopes that the general public be educated through an awareness campaign and in teacher education programs, specifically aimed towards children, about safety in visiting websites online.
Many of the higher officials of the Illinois State University have shown support in Helm's leadership role in the Internet Security Task Force and how it will benefit both the University as well as the state of Illinois. The current security practices being employed by the university in ensuring the privacy of students and faculty as well as the online security of its assets can be shared with the various organizations that are also cooperating in the program.
The Internet Security Task Force will meet four times a year and will submit timely reports to the General Assembly as well as to Governor Pat Quinn by December 31 of each year until the last scheduled report for late 2012. By this period, it is hoped that various areas of focus that have been presented in the first report, be identified.
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