Christie elects David Weinstein as the first New Jersey Chief Tech Officer
Governor Chris Christie recently created the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a cabinet-level position. David Weinstein, the state’s current cyber security director, will serve as the first-ever New Jersey Chief Tech Officer.
“New Jersey’s public employees rely on information technology (IT) systems to serve our citizens with vital functions of government. These duties demand – and the taxpayer’s deserve – a user experience that enables greater productivity and long-term efficiencies while protecting private information to the greatest extent possible,” said Governor Christie. “Dave is an individual, who truly understands how to manage cyber risk across a large enterprise, and as the head of the Office of Information Technology, he will work closely with the Director of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) to ensure that our efforts to streamline, modernize, and innovate our technology infrastructure is consistent with my cybersecurity and privacy priorities.”
…Christie also announced that his Administration will invest $10 million this fiscal year in safeguarding systems against the most sophisticated cyber threats…
The role of the New Jersey Chief Tech Officer
In 2015, Gov. Christie established the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, which serves as the state’s central hub for cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. The goal of the central agency is to reduce New Jersey’s cyber risk and respond to emergent incidents through collaborations between local, state, federal, public, and private sector institutions.
In his new position, Weinstein will oversee the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (OIT) and be responsible for “developing and implementing strategic policies, information security standards and requirements for all State departments and agencies,” according to Gov. Christie. He will report directly to the Governor and will serve as a cabinet member.
Gov. Christie also announced that his Administration will invest $10 million this fiscal year in safeguarding systems against the most sophisticated cyber threats, including performing comprehensive audits of the State’s infrastructure and assessing its network for potential compromises. Over the course of the next year, assessments will be completed for all State departments.
Significance of the New Jersey Chief Tech Officer appointment
The appointment highlights that both the public and private sectors must work to balance the opportunities created by technological advancements with the associated risks. “All of us see a great potential in the burgeoning expansion of technology, but we see the perils as well,” Christie stated at a press conference announcing the position. “Those perils are real to the people of our state, just as well as the opportunities are. We have someone who understands that.”
While a cabinet-level position such as this signifies an important commitment to cyber security and data protection, the true test lies in whether appropriate funding and other resources are dedicated to advance those efforts. Time will tell whether this move signifies the commitment necessary to address the challenges that confront us.
Do you have any feedback, thoughts, reactions or comments concerning this topic? Feel free to leave a comment below for Fernando M. Pinguelo and follow the twitter accounts @CyberPinguelo and @eWHW_Blog for timely comments on related issues. If you have any questions about this post, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work. To learn more about our data privacy and cyber security practice, visit our Cyber Security & Data Protection page.
Does Your Homeowners Insurance Provide Adequate Coverage?
Your home is likely your greatest asset, which is why it is so important to adequately protect it. Homeowners insurance protects you from the financial costs of unforeseen losses, such as theft, fire, and natural disasters, by helping you rebuild and replace possessions that were lost While the definition of “adequate” coverage depends upon a […]
Understanding the Importance of a Non-Contingent Offer
Making a non-contingent offer can dramatically increase your chances of securing a real estate transaction, particularly in competitive markets like New York City. However, buyers should understand that waiving contingencies, including those related to financing, or appraisals, also comes with significant risks. Determining your best strategy requires careful analysis of the property, the market, and […]
Fred D. Zemel Appointed Chair of Strategic Planning at Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC
Business Transactional Attorney Zemel to Spearhead Strategic Initiatives for Continued Growth and Innovation Little Falls, NJ – February 21, 2025 – Scarinci & Hollenbeck, LLC is pleased to announce that Partner Fred D. Zemel has been named Chair of the firm’s Strategic Planning Committee. In this role, Mr. Zemel will lead the committee in identifying, […]
Novation Agreement Process: Step-by-Step Guide for Businesses
Big changes sometimes occur during the life cycle of a contract. Cancelling a contract outright can be bad for your reputation and your bottom line. Businesses need to know how to best address a change in circumstances, while also protecting their legal rights. One option is to transfer the “benefits and the burdens” of a […]
What Is a Trade Secret? Key Elements and Legal Protections Explained
What is a trade secret and why you you protect them? Technology has made trade secret theft even easier and more prevalent. In fact, businesses lose billions of dollars every year due to trade secret theft committed by employees, competitors, and even foreign governments. But what is a trade secret? And how do you protect […]
What Is Title Insurance? Safeguarding Against Title Defects
If you are considering the purchase of a property, you may wonder — what is title insurance, do I need it, and why do I need it? Even seasoned property owners may question if the added expense and extra paperwork is really necessary, especially considering that people and entities insured by title insurance make fewer […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Gov Christie Appoints First-Ever New Jersey Chief Tech Officer
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Christie elects David Weinstein as the first New Jersey Chief Tech Officer
Governor Chris Christie recently created the position of Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a cabinet-level position. David Weinstein, the state’s current cyber security director, will serve as the first-ever New Jersey Chief Tech Officer.
“New Jersey’s public employees rely on information technology (IT) systems to serve our citizens with vital functions of government. These duties demand – and the taxpayer’s deserve – a user experience that enables greater productivity and long-term efficiencies while protecting private information to the greatest extent possible,” said Governor Christie. “Dave is an individual, who truly understands how to manage cyber risk across a large enterprise, and as the head of the Office of Information Technology, he will work closely with the Director of Homeland Security and Preparedness (OHSP) to ensure that our efforts to streamline, modernize, and innovate our technology infrastructure is consistent with my cybersecurity and privacy priorities.”
…Christie also announced that his Administration will invest $10 million this fiscal year in safeguarding systems against the most sophisticated cyber threats…
The role of the New Jersey Chief Tech Officer
In 2015, Gov. Christie established the New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, which serves as the state’s central hub for cybersecurity information sharing, threat analysis, and incident reporting. The goal of the central agency is to reduce New Jersey’s cyber risk and respond to emergent incidents through collaborations between local, state, federal, public, and private sector institutions.
In his new position, Weinstein will oversee the New Jersey Office of Information Technology (OIT) and be responsible for “developing and implementing strategic policies, information security standards and requirements for all State departments and agencies,” according to Gov. Christie. He will report directly to the Governor and will serve as a cabinet member.
Gov. Christie also announced that his Administration will invest $10 million this fiscal year in safeguarding systems against the most sophisticated cyber threats, including performing comprehensive audits of the State’s infrastructure and assessing its network for potential compromises. Over the course of the next year, assessments will be completed for all State departments.
Significance of the New Jersey Chief Tech Officer appointment
The appointment highlights that both the public and private sectors must work to balance the opportunities created by technological advancements with the associated risks. “All of us see a great potential in the burgeoning expansion of technology, but we see the perils as well,” Christie stated at a press conference announcing the position. “Those perils are real to the people of our state, just as well as the opportunities are. We have someone who understands that.”
While a cabinet-level position such as this signifies an important commitment to cyber security and data protection, the true test lies in whether appropriate funding and other resources are dedicated to advance those efforts. Time will tell whether this move signifies the commitment necessary to address the challenges that confront us.
Do you have any feedback, thoughts, reactions or comments concerning this topic? Feel free to leave a comment below for Fernando M. Pinguelo and follow the twitter accounts @CyberPinguelo and @eWHW_Blog for timely comments on related issues. If you have any questions about this post, please contact me or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work. To learn more about our data privacy and cyber security practice, visit our Cyber Security & Data Protection page.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
