Security Operations , Government security , Security Strategy, Plan, Budget , Leadership State cybersecurity leaders discuss prioritizing security upgrades May 1, 2026 Share By SC Staff (Adobe Stock) Per Statescoop, state cybersecurity leaders are finding that the most effective way to secure funding and implement upgrades isn't through technical jargon, but by communicating the tangible risks and impacts of cyber threats to the right people. During a National Association of State Chief Information Officers conference, officials like Rex Menold, Michigan's chief security officer, shared that agencies, not central IT, often decide on security priorities. This approach acknowledges that central IT may not fully understand the unique business needs of each agency. Menold highlighted the importance of framing cybersecurity funding in practical terms for legislators, focusing on how it impacts their constituents and local services rather than abstract technical needs. Michael Watson, former Virginia CISO and now CIO, emphasized understanding what is universally important to stakeholders, whether it's a DMV system or mainframe services, to effectively advocate for cybersecurity. Tony Sauerhoff, Texas CIO, shared a strategy of clearly communicating identified risks and gaps to leadership, which helps in securing resources and reduces personal stress by making the risks understood by those with the authority to act. This method, while effective, has limitations as roles and reporting structures change. Source: Statescoop SC Staff Related Security Operations Hackers accidentally leak database of stolen credit cards due to AI coding error SC Staff May 1, 2026 Hackers utilized an AI-assisted development tool called Cursor to build a statistics dashboard for Jerry's Store. Security Operations OpenAI enhances ChatGPT security with YubiKey partnership SC Staff May 1, 2026 OpenAI's new Advanced Account Security program, available to all ChatGPT users, includes a partnership with Yubico to integrate phishing-resistant security keys. Security Operations Lawmakers consider standalone critical infrastructure status for data centers SC Staff May 1, 2026 Lawmakers on the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection are considering whether data centers should be recognized as a distinct critical infrastructure sector. Get daily email updates SC Media's daily must-read of the most current and pressing daily news Business Email By clicking the Subscribe button below, you agree to SC Media Terms of Use and Privacy Policy . Subscribe Related Terms Business Continuity Plan (BCP) Blue Team Cold Warm Hot Disaster Recovery Site Cost Benefit Analysis Countermeasure Cron Daemon Disaster Recovery Plan (DRP) You can skip this ad in 5 seconds