According to a new report, Minnesota, California, and Florida are leading the way when it comes to preparedness for both cybersecurity and civic tech challenges.
The report is part of the Internet Association’s State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial Information Technology Advancing Reform Achievements (SITARA) map, which is an interactive map that provides a state-by-state analysis of preparedness for both cybersecurity and civic tech challenges across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories.
The map shows a strong disparity between state governments and their preparedness for cyberattacks and efforts to modernize IT infrastructure. The map specifically zeroes in on efforts regarding cloud-first initiatives, digital service innovation, and cybersecurity efforts.
For its ranking system, SITARA established a baseline of participation in programs recommended by the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). According to the Internet Association, the map shows where additional support, whether from the Federal government or through the budgeting process, can help states and territories move beyond baseline metrics, to provide a modern and secure IT infrastructure to their employees and the general public.
Overall, only three states received a “Very Good” score, 24 states earned a “Good” score, and 24 states are rated as “Getting Started.” No states earned “Exceptional” or “excellent.” In terms of the territories, only Puerto Rico earned a “Good score” while two came in at “Getting Started” or “Baseline,” and two scored “Needs Help.”
Out of a possible score of 21, the highest-graded states are:
- Minnesota (14)
- California (13)
- Florida (13)
- Ohio (12)
- North Carolina (12)
- Vermont (12)
- Georgia (11)
- New Jersey (11)
- North Dakota (11)
- Colorado (11)
- Utah (11)
The least-prepared states are:
- Alaska (4)
- Tennesse (4)
- New Mexico (5)
- Louisiana (5)
- Mississippi (6)
- Idaho (6)
- South Dakota (6)
- Nebraska (6)
- Missouri (6)
- Michigan (6)
