The University of Delaware's new iSuite -- where cyberdefenses are strengthened and innovative solutions are discovered -- seemed a perfect venue for Gov. John Carney, who signed legislation Thursday, Aug. 17, that strengthens privacy protections in cases of cybersecurity breaches.

The bill, H.B. 180, was sponsored by Rep. Paul Baumbach, D-Newark, a UD alumnus. It requires businesses to protect personal information, notify people of data breaches within 60 days of discovery and provide at least a year of identity protection if Social Security numbers are compromised.

The University is home to the Delaware Cybersecurity Initiative, which has been designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

"UD is committed to working with the state and our other partners to fight the large and growing cybersecurity threat," UD President Dennis Assanis said. "UD is devoting unique resources to developing and advancing technologies and solutions for a safe and resilient cyberspace by contributing our expertise in computer science, corporate governance and public policy.”

Carney said a workforce with expertise in cybersecurity is essential to the state's efforts to build a strong economy and help small businesses thrive.

“We live in a digital world where threats to personal information are becoming more common, and the cyber threat is one of the most serious economic challenges we face,” Carney said. “It makes sense to offer additional protections for Delawareans who may have their information compromised in a cybersecurity breach. At the same time, we will continue to connect businesses to training and resources that will help them safeguard and protect their data. I was also proud to sign this legislation on Thursday alongside Dr. Assanis at the University of Delaware, an institution that is helping lead innovation around cybersecurity."

Among those present for the signing were two small-business owners -- Tanya Williamson, who owns Tanya Associates Business Services (TABS) and consults with her husband's contracting business, Vision Builders, and Dorothy Bell, owner of Woman 2 Woman.

Williamson said many small-business owners do not understand the threat or how to address it. She applauded the partnerships that are emerging statewide.

"Gov. Carney, the small businesses need this," she said.

The University offers an expanding menu of academic opportunities, including a minor and master's degree in cybersecurity, certificate programs for business professionals, military officials and others, assistance to small businesses through the Office of Economic Innovation and Partnerships (OEIP), as well as programs geared for the community.

"The partnerships between OEIP, the Delaware Department of Technology and Information under the leadership of Elayne Starkey and James Collins, and UD’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering under the leadership of Chair Ken Barner and Prof. Chase Cotton are of inestimable value," said David Weir, director of OEIP.

"With such a broad set of integrated capabilities, I believe as a state we are in the position to meet future cyber challenges with greater confidence, alignment, and effectiveness."