Attorney General Christopher S. Porrino and the New Jersey State Police today announced that 676 data breaches were reported to the State Police in 2016 affecting more than 116,000 New Jersey account holders. October is National Cybersecurity Month, and the announcement – the first release of annual statistics on data breaches in the state – was made as New Jersey offered advice and resources to residents to protect their sensitive personal information. The Attorney General’s Office also highlighted legal actions taken this year by the Division of Law and Division of Consumer Affairs to address data breaches.

Governor Chris Christie today established the position of Chief Technology Officer by appointing David Weinstein as the State’s first ever CTO. Weinstein will oversee the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (OIT) and be responsible for developing and implementing strategic policies, information security standards and requirements for all State departments and agencies. He will report directly to the Governor and will serve as a cabinet member.

Director Chris Rodriguez today announced Mike Geraghty as the first Director of the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) located at the Regional Operations Intelligence Center. Geraghty will be dedicated to managing the day-to-day functions of the NJCCIC, the State’s central hub for cyber operations and resources.

The New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) and the National Healthcare Information Sharing and Analysis Center (NH-ISAC) announced today a partnership to enhance cybersecurity information sharing on behalf of New Jersey’s healthcare providers. Under the agreement, which was signed at the New Jersey Regional Operations Intelligence Center among hospital executives from across the State, the NJCCIC and NH-ISAC will exchange cyber threat indicators in automated fashion to promote shared situational awareness of adversary tools and tactics related to the healthcare sector.  The agreement mandates strict data handling, classification, and disclosure protocols to protect the confidentiality of both parties’ constituents. 

Ensuring that the 21st century threats against New Jersey’s cyber and digital security are met with 21st century solutions and a coordinated, prepared response across government and with the private sector, Governor Chris Christie today signed Executive Order 178 creating the State’s first-ever New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell (NJCCIC) within the Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness.