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 Kansas, cybersecurity is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal laws designed to protect computer systems and sensitive data from cyber-threats. The Kansas Information Technology Executive Council (ITEC) has established policies for cybersecurity for state agencies, which include guidelines for protecting information systems and managing risks. Additionally, Kansas has adopted the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (UETA), which ensures the security and validity of electronic transactions. At the federal level, laws such as the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act (CFAA) and the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act (CISA) provide a framework for criminalizing unauthorized access to computer systems and for sharing cybersecurity threat information between the government and private entities. Businesses and individuals in Kansas must comply with these regulations to protect against cyber-threats such as data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other forms of cybercrime.