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 West Virginia, cybersecurity is governed by a combination of state statutes and federal laws designed to protect computer systems and sensitive data from cyber-threats. The West Virginia Office of Technology oversees the implementation of cybersecurity measures for state agencies, ensuring compliance with policies that safeguard against unauthorized access, data breaches, and other cyber risks. Businesses and individuals are also encouraged to adopt robust cybersecurity practices. 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 computer access and facilitating information sharing between the government and private sector to combat cyber threats. Additionally, sector-specific regulations, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for healthcare data, impose further cybersecurity requirements on businesses operating in certain fields.