Provides that the Urban Development Corporation shall establish a Cyber Research Institute to perform research and development in cyber security

BILL NUMBER:S6762A REVISED 06/15/12

Title of bill

An act to authorize the New York state urban development corporation to enter into agreements to develop a Cyber Research Institute

Purpose

To authorize and direct the Urban Development Corporation (dba Empire State Development Corporation) to work with the Air Force Research Laboratory at Rome, New York ("Rome Lab") to develop public and private partnerships to establish a Cyber Research Institute. The Institute would address the important public need of conducting research and development in the crucial area of protecting important networked computer systems involved in military, governmental, and business enterprises.

Summary of provisions

Section one sets forth legislative findings outlining the critical role networked computer systems play in every facet of our society and the very real threat posed by cyber attacks from hostile sources whose intent ranges from theft of proprietary information to destructive efforts to compromise key governmental and private sector assets in New York which provide an opportunity for New York to become a leader in cyber security.

Section 2. (a) provides that the UDC shall undertake efforts to establish through public/private partnerships with Rome Lab, and New York based academic, business and not for profit entities a cyber research institute at the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome, New York.

Section 2 (b) provides that UDC shall work with collaborating partners to establish a working relationship and to secure and utilize public and private resources to establish the center and carry out its work.

Section 3 provides the proposed Act shall take effect immediately.

Justification

Networked computer systems are probably the most critical element of a modern society's infrastructure. They are of enormous importance in the management of critical functions such as national security, transportation, electric power grids, municipal water and sewer functions, financial services, and complex commercial transactions to name but a few. Almost daily, the news media reports on cyber attacks by both other governments, criminals, terrorists, and even rogue "hackers" which seek to steal proprietary or confidential information, or disrupt the conduct of critical functions. Securing these systems has become a matter of national security and critical importance to the integrity of both business and governmental functions. New Y ark already hosts the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York, where important work is being conducted in cyber security. At the same time, several distinguished New York based colleges and universities offer undergraduate and graduate programs in cyber science and security. A number of "spin off' companies in New York are engaged in the development and

marketing of cyber security services and products. New York is uniquely poised to coordinate and develop, these assets to become a world leader in a cutting edge and universally needed technology.

Legislative history

New.

Fiscal implications

The bill contemplates that funding would come from both public (existing appropriations) and private investment.

Effective date

Immediate.