The Arkansas Cybersecurity Act of 2025 establishes a framework for enhancing cybersecurity across state agencies. The act creates the State Cybersecurity Office, which will be managed by the State Information Security Officer and will oversee all functions related to state cybersecurity and information security. The office is tasked with maximizing cybersecurity resources, establishing governance policies, and ensuring compliance with cybersecurity standards. It will also conduct audits of state agencies and report findings to the Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology at least twice a year.
Key definitions are introduced, including "cybersecurity" and "information security," which outline the scope of protection against cyber threats and unauthorized access. The act mandates that state agencies comply with the governance standards set by the State Cybersecurity Office and allows for the creation of a Cybersecurity Governance Team to assist in developing cybersecurity plans. While cybersecurity personnel will report to the State Cybersecurity Office, their positions and funding will remain with their respective agencies, ensuring a collaborative approach to enhancing the state's cybersecurity posture.