Nevada merges Cyber Defense Coordination with Office of Information Security for unified approach
June 01, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Assembly Committee on Government Affairs convened on June 1, 2025, to discuss significant legislative changes regarding cybersecurity in Nevada. The primary focus of the meeting was a bill aimed at transitioning the Office of Cyber Defense Coordination (OCDC) from the Department of Public Safety to the Office of the Chief Information Officer (CIO). This move will merge the OCDC with the existing Office of Information Security (OIS), resulting in the creation of the Office of Information Security and Cyber Defense (OIS CD).
The bill, which largely retains the language from the original OCDC legislation established in 2017, includes minor adjustments to align with the organizational structure of the CIO. The intent behind this consolidation is to eliminate confusion and overlaps between the two offices, as the OIS has primarily focused on internal executive branch support, while the OCDC has engaged with external municipal entities. By creating a unified cybersecurity unit, the legislation aims to enhance collaboration and communication in response to cyber threats that extend beyond state boundaries.
Key sections of the bill were outlined during the meeting. Sections 1, 15, and 16 address the creation and public disclosure of cybersecurity incident response plans, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive information from adversaries. Sections 2, 3, and 26 through 27 facilitate the transfer of OCDC language into NRS Chapter 242, while Section 17 formalizes the merger of the two offices. Additionally, Section 19 mandates the CIO to adopt regulations supporting the new office's policies.
The committee also discussed the importance of reporting requirements for executive branch entities regarding security breaches. Similar obligations for municipal entities to report incidents to the OCDC will continue under the new structure.
Overall, the meeting underscored the legislative intent to streamline cybersecurity efforts in Nevada, ensuring a more cohesive approach to managing and responding to cyber threats. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
The bill, which largely retains the language from the original OCDC legislation established in 2017, includes minor adjustments to align with the organizational structure of the CIO. The intent behind this consolidation is to eliminate confusion and overlaps between the two offices, as the OIS has primarily focused on internal executive branch support, while the OCDC has engaged with external municipal entities. By creating a unified cybersecurity unit, the legislation aims to enhance collaboration and communication in response to cyber threats that extend beyond state boundaries.
Key sections of the bill were outlined during the meeting. Sections 1, 15, and 16 address the creation and public disclosure of cybersecurity incident response plans, emphasizing the need to protect sensitive information from adversaries. Sections 2, 3, and 26 through 27 facilitate the transfer of OCDC language into NRS Chapter 242, while Section 17 formalizes the merger of the two offices. Additionally, Section 19 mandates the CIO to adopt regulations supporting the new office's policies.
The committee also discussed the importance of reporting requirements for executive branch entities regarding security breaches. Similar obligations for municipal entities to report incidents to the OCDC will continue under the new structure.
Overall, the meeting underscored the legislative intent to streamline cybersecurity efforts in Nevada, ensuring a more cohesive approach to managing and responding to cyber threats. The next steps will involve further discussions and potential amendments as the bill progresses through the legislative process.
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