In a recent meeting of the Vermont House Energy and Digital Infrastructure, discussions centered on the state's cybersecurity measures and the importance of inter-branch collaboration. The meeting highlighted the advancements in technology that have significantly improved the state's ability to respond to cybersecurity threats.

One of the key topics was the implementation of new technologies that allow for rapid recovery from potential cyber incidents. The judiciary has partnered with cybersecurity firms such as Palo Alto's Unit 42 and Arctic Wolf, which provide immediate support in the event of a security breach. These partnerships are crucial as they ensure that the judiciary can recover quickly without starting from scratch, thanks to their familiarity with the system.

The meeting also addressed the importance of having a robust infrastructure in place. The judiciary is adding a second data center to enhance responsiveness and ensure continuity of operations. This infrastructure includes cloud backup solutions through Azure, which will allow the judiciary to maintain operations even in the event of a catastrophic incident in the Northeast.

Another significant point of discussion was the establishment of regular meetings among the three branches of government to coordinate cybersecurity efforts. This initiative, which has been ongoing for six months, aims to foster collaboration and share best practices. However, there were concerns about the varying levels of participation from different branches, suggesting a need for more structured engagement.

The conversation also touched on the potential for statutory measures to formalize cybersecurity protocols and inter-branch communication. Participants expressed that having such measures could enhance the overall security posture of the state government.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the critical nature of cybersecurity in state operations and the ongoing efforts to improve resilience against cyber threats. As Vermont continues to enhance its digital infrastructure, the collaboration between branches of government will be vital in ensuring a secure and efficient response to any future challenges. The next steps will likely involve further discussions on formalizing these collaborative efforts and addressing any gaps in participation among the branches.