Nevada outlines ambitious IT strategy to enhance cybersecurity and digital services

The Assembly Ways and Means and Senate Finance Subcommittee on General Government convened on March 26, 2025, to discuss the strategic direction and operational challenges of the state's Information Technology (IT) initiatives. The meeting highlighted the importance of effective IT solutions for state agencies, emphasizing their role in serving Nevada's citizens.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO) presented the fiscal year 2023 to 2027 statewide IT strategy, which is built on six core pillars: security, governance, modernization, workforce, digital services, and future planning. These pillars guide strategic decisions and budget initiatives aimed at enhancing data protection, collaboration, and digital accessibility across state agencies.

A significant focus of the meeting was on cybersecurity, with the CIO detailing initiatives to improve the state's cybersecurity posture. This includes the establishment of a State Technology Governance Committee to involve executive branch agencies in policy creation and the development of a statewide security operations center. The CIO also mentioned the creation of a cybersecurity quick reaction force to respond to incidents effectively.

The discussion also addressed workforce challenges, particularly the high vacancy rates within the IT sector. The CIO reported a reduction in the vacancy rate from 33% to 5%, attributing this success to historic pay increases supported by the legislature and the dedication of the IT team. Despite these improvements, the CIO acknowledged ongoing challenges related to modernizing legacy systems and meeting the growing demand for IT resources.

The meeting concluded with a positive note regarding user feedback from state agencies utilizing IT services. The CIO shared survey results indicating strong satisfaction with the services provided, reinforcing the effectiveness of the strategic initiatives in place.

Overall, the meeting underscored the state's commitment to advancing its IT capabilities while navigating the complexities of modernization and workforce management. The CIO expressed gratitude for legislative support and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to shape Nevada's digital future.