All NASS members have essential roles related to technology and security. As the guardians of state records and filings, members have long prioritized cybersecurity. NASS members have also worked in recent years to further improve their office’s physical security, incident planning, and emergency preparedness practices. Security and resilience are critical for every aspect of the work of members, including providing business services, election administration, maintaining state archives, and much more.
Members have built robust information technology and security teams within their offices. They have implemented innovative programs such as cyber navigator and security assessment programs to support staff and local officials. They also explore emerging technologies and educate stakeholders on related issues such as challenges and opportunities posed by generative artificial intelligence.
In addition to internal efforts, they work with federal, state, local, nonprofit and private sector partners to further secure the systems and data they manage, as well as their personnel and processes. Security partners for NASS members include governors, state fusion centers, emergency managers, the National Guard, federal agencies, the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC), universities, independent researchers and others.
In 2018, NASS created a Cybersecurity Committee, later renamed the Technology and Security Committee, to share policies and practices across states. As all members have technology and security roles, every member of NASS is on the Committee. The issues include policies and practices for technology procurement, cybersecurity programs, physical security practices, planning for emergency response, and more.
Additionally, NASS serves as a conduit of information for the information technology and security staff leaders within offices through regular meetings and calls.
