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 Colorado, cybersecurity is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal laws designed to protect computer systems and sensitive data from cyber-threats. The Colorado Revised Statutes include provisions that require certain entities to implement reasonable security measures to protect personal identifying information (PII) and to dispose of it properly when it is no longer needed. Additionally, in the event of a data breach, Colorado law mandates that affected individuals must be notified within a reasonable time frame, specifically no later than 30 days after the discovery of the breach. The state also has laws that address the protection of government data and systems. At the federal level, various laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA), the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA), and sector-specific regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare information, provide additional layers of cybersecurity requirements. These laws work in tandem to prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and to ensure that businesses and individuals respond appropriately to cyber incidents.