As cyber threats evolve, Washington state is taking decisive steps to protect its digital future. The recently announced Washington State Enterprise IT Security Strategic Plan for 2025-2027 provides a robust framework aimed at securing the state’s digital infrastructure, fostering public trust, and preparing for an ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
Vision and Goals: Zero Impact from Cyber Incidents
At the heart of the plan is a bold vision: Zero Impact from Cyber Incidents. Three strategic goals support this vision:
- Earning Trust Through Secure Digital Services: Prioritizing data protection and transparent interactions to build public confidence in government services.
- Increased Partnership and Collaboration for a Safer Washington: Leveraging cross-sector cooperation to enhance cybersecurity preparedness and resilience.
- Shaping Tomorrow with a Skilled Cyber Workforce: Building a future-ready workforce equipped to address emerging cybersecurity challenges.
Foundational pillars: a structured approach
The plan is built upon four foundational pillars that guide all initiatives and strategies:
- Risk Management: Proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure resilience across all systems and services.
- Digital Trust: Fostering confidence in digital government services through secure and transparent interactions.
- Integrity: Upholding ethical standards and accountability across all cybersecurity initiatives.
- Governance: Establishing structured policies and frameworks for effective decision-making, consistent operations, and oversight.
Collaborative efforts: building the framework
The strategic plan is the result of a collaborative effort involving over 100 security leaders, state agencies, and external partners. Through workshops, advisory sessions, and inclusive dialogue, a comprehensive framework was developed to align with the diverse needs of Washington state’s agencies while driving a unified approach to resilience and innovation.