For the Reporter

Sen. Pam Roach, R-Sumner, chairs the Senate Government Operations and Security Committee and is one of the Legislature’s most vocal advocates for cyber-security.

She said this about today’s announcement of an innovative partnership between the Washington State Office of Cyber Security and the federal government to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and government services:

“I am pleased to hear that Washington will be taking part in this cyber defense pilot program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Fortunately, our state continues to be a leader in cyber-security protection and preparedness, but we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. State leaders must recognize that cyber-security is a real vulnerability for our state, our counties and our cities.

“We must take continuing action to ensure that our state and local governments, energy infrastructure, and private-sector businesses, as well as individual citizens, are prepared to meet that threat.

“It is also critical that we engage industry and the public in winning this battle.

“Today’s announcement is a step in the right direction.”

Gov. Jay Inslee said the partnership will explore new ways for state government to defend against increasingly sophisticated and targeted cyber threats.