Senator John Thune Leads Discussion on Improving Cyber Security with South Dakota Experts

Senator John Thune leads discussion on improving cyber security in South Dakota

Senator John Thune recently gathered some of South Dakota’s top minds in information technology for a discussion on improving cyber security. The meeting took place on the DSU campus in Madison, where experts from various sectors such as banking, agriculture, health care, business, government, and education came together to find ways to work more effectively in protecting information.

Thune emphasized the need for collaboration among states to create a national consensus on cyber security, especially in the face of threats from countries like China. “It’s become a form of warfare, really,” Thune stated.

DSU President José Marie Griffiths highlighted the importance of addressing the increased use of artificial intelligence techniques and surveillance, both overt and covert. She expressed concerns about the data being collected on individuals without their knowledge, such as biometrics and surveillance footage.

Each expert shared their strategies for protecting information and discussed the challenges ahead. Thune emphasized the importance of creating a national framework for cyber security to address the diverse ways information is managed across different sectors of the economy.

Thune praised DSU for its role in preparing the workforce for future cyber warfare, making it the perfect location for the roundtable discussion. The goal of the meeting was to come up with recommendations that can enhance cyber security measures and protect against potential threats.