Scott Coppersmith, nominated to the Department of Information Resources (DIR) Board of Directors, told the Senate Committee on Nominations he would focus on cybersecurity and on ensuring state agencies are aware of DIR’s shared services and cooperative contracts.

Coppersmith described DIR’s core mission as setting technology strategy for the state and providing shared services including cybersecurity protections, cooperative contracts and shared technology programs. He noted the Sunset review found DIR in better shape than 12 years ago but said challenges remain, especially in communicating available services to agencies.

Asked about cybersecurity threats, Coppersmith said DIR “protects state entities from over a billion cyber attacks every single day,” and emphasized that state actors and criminal enterprises present ongoing risks. He said improving agency awareness of DIR contracts and services is a key priority.

Committee members thanked Coppersmith for his service and background in cyber operations and information technology. The committee recorded his testimony as part of the nomination packet to be forwarded to the full Senate.