A new state bill that was forwarded to the Colorado Senate is looking at the possibility of using blockchain technology to guard private data from cyberattacks.
Senate Bill 086, which was introduced in Colorado on January 16, proposes that utilizing blockchain technology would abolish the need for paper records and in-person updating of such data.
The blockchain system would be an ideal solution to the State’s existing data collection and retention problems, and creates a more secure record.
If ratified, the bill would order Colorado’s chief information security officer to assess the expenses and benefits of using distributed ledgers in different government systems, and to see blockchain’s capability in dealing with cyberattacks compared to traditional computer systems.
“An important function of state government is to protect state records containing trusted information about individuals, organizations, assets and activities from criminal, unauthorized, or inadvertent manipulation or theft,” SB 086’s introduction read.
It continued:
“In addition, there are increasing threats to the theft of personal privacy information within government data and a growing number of threats to networks, critical infrastructure and private data and devices.”
In 2017, according to the bill, there were anywhere between six and eight million attempted breaches of the Colorado state government’s digital platforms each day.
Many of the records held by the government are unsecured, and therefore are “valuable targets for identity thieves and hackers with the intent to steal or penetrate corporate records.”
In addition, the bill stressed that Colorado at the moment, still mandates its citizens to visit state agencies in person to amend their information, which can be solved by a blockchain system.
The bill went on:
“Blockchain distributed ledgers provide the capability of openly traceable transactions while maintaining the privacy of each person performing the transactions.”
“It is crucial to design a framework to identify solutions to prevent unauthorized external disclosures, protect privacy and confidentiality, and prevent inadvertent releases of information.”
