Cybersecurity is the process of protecting internet-connected computer systems, such as hardware, software, and data, from cyber-threats. Cybersecurity is used by individuals and businesses to protect against unauthorized access to these computer systems when cyber criminals attempt to change, destroy, and steal sensitive data; extort money by making the systems unworkable; and interrupt business operations.
In Arkansas, cybersecurity is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal laws designed to protect computer systems and sensitive data from cyber-threats. The Arkansas Personal Information Protection Act (APIPA) requires businesses to implement and maintain reasonable security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction. Additionally, in the event of a data breach, the APIPA mandates timely notification to affected individuals. Arkansas also adheres to federal laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), which provide a framework for criminalizing unauthorized access to computer systems and facilitating the sharing of cybersecurity threat information between the government and private sector. Businesses and individuals in Arkansas must comply with these regulations to safeguard their computer systems against cyber-attacks and to mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and cybercrime.