Hacks are coming from all sides: individual bad actors, larger hacking groups, and state-backed hackers. Adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran, for example, have intensified their hacking efforts. China, for instance, has established itself as home to the world’s largest hacking program, posing a significant threat to government and private sector networks.

With cyber concerns coming from all directions, enhancing cybersecurity protections is no longer a luxury but a necessity. American tech companies can help ensure that as adversaries advance their operations, our businesses, individuals, and government remain prepared. Innovation hubs like Silicon Slopes stand on the cutting edge of developing technological solutions that enhance our nation’s cyber defenses. Ongoing innovation, research, and development from our domestic-based companies are crucial for equipping government and civilian users with the tools needed to effectively counter these threats and protect critical infrastructure, sensitive data, and intellectual property.

It is more important than ever for policymakers on both sides to support our homegrown innovators as they work to advance our tech capabilities to ensure America remains at the forefront. Misguided policies risk hamstringing our innovation capabilities, potentially leaving us vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Instead, policymakers must help advance our domestic tech capabilities locally and nationally to safeguard our digital future.

Tiffany Hanson, Salt Lake City