DPS asks Mississippi lawmakers to fund statewide cyber defense program

In the two years since a dedicated cyber unit was created in the state's homeland security office, the unit has investigated dozens of cyber attacks directed at the state's networks and businesses.

As the rate and complexity of these cyber attacks continues to increase, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety is asking lawmakers to put $3.5 million into a new cyber defense software program. Sean Tindell, the DPS Commissioner, says a system like this is needed for a statewide approach to cybersecurity..

"It (the new software) provides a critical defense structure in our cyber systems for the state that prevents people's personal information from being stolen and prevents schools from being hijacked and held for ransom," Tindell said.

Multiple public school districts, colleges and health care providers in Mississippi have been successfully targeted with ransomware attacks in recent years. In September 2023, Mississippi-based Singing River Health Systems was hit with an attack that resulted in the theft of around half a million patient files. 

DPS is also asking lawmakers for funding to hire more cybersecurity experts. Tindell says having the right  infrastructure in place won't help without people who know what they're doing, but hiring them is expensive.

"These individuals get out of the military, they have the certifications and they go make six figure jobs in the private sector," Tindell said. "They can make seven figure jobs, and so we need to find ways to hire those individuals."

Later this year, DPS will relocate from Jackson to a new headquarters in Rankin County. Tindell says having all six of the agency's law enforcement divisions working under the same roof for the first time will also help with investigating and responding to cybercrimes.