A recent McKinsey article states that cyberattacks are costly, and they appear to be broadening in scope. Every corporate boardroom and even federal, state and local government agencies are discussing how to avert cyber threats. The State of Georgia is addressing this issue.
Governor Nathan Deal announced his vision for a Cyber Center in his State of the State Address on January 11, 2017. It was more than a vision; it became a reality in just 18 months with the ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 10, 2018. And now it is positioned to become one of the world’s leading centers for cybersecurity. Governor Deal tasked State CIO Calvin Rhodes to turn his vision into reality, and that he did. The story of how a unique collaboration among government, academia, the military and the private sector is resulting in a cyber ecosystem is truly remarkable. I had the opportunity to speak with Rhodes about the Cyber Center and following is an excerpt from our conversation.