The National Governors Association (NGA) has announced a new research center dedicated to cybersecurity. The Resources Center for State Cybersecurity (Resource Center) will be led by Governor Martin O’Malley of Maryland and Governor Rick Snyder of Michigan.

The press release describes the goals as addressing “the consequences of the rapidly evolving and expanding threats now faced by law enforcement agencies, public works and energy agencies, private financial and communications centers and the general public. The project will examine the role state policy can and should play in ensuring adequate cybersecurity for state-owned and state-based infrastructure including data and communication systems, financial records, banking systems, water systems, electrical grids and energy companies.”

Governor O’Malley said, “The overall goal of the Resource Center is to help governors create the most robust policy environment possible to protect our infrastructure, our government and our citizens from cyber threats and data breeches. This project is a significant step because it marks the first major focus on the role of states in protecting cybersecurity infrastructure.”

Governor Snyder said, “This is a critical issue for governors and states. Through this project, we’ll focus on several important areas including actions governors can take, partnering with the private industry and working among all levels of government.”