The status of new cybersecurity laws proposed in South Carolina

As employers in the private and public sectors adjust to the advent of flexible work over the last two years, they're simultaneously trying to protect their organizations from attackers looking to steal and sell data.

2021 was a year defined by significant cyberattacks that crippled infrastructure and shut down hospitals, schools, and municipal governments. It's the same year the Colonial Pipeline, which supplies gasoline to millions living in the Northeast U.S., was hobbled by a ransomware attack that triggered a gas panic and elevated prices for consumers.

And lawmakers were paying attention—passing dozens of laws in 2022 aimed at training workers, securing government agencies, and funneling money into cybersecurity education programs.

Drata compiled a list of new cybersecurity-related legislation in South Carolina through February 2023 based on data collected by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

States that passed the most cybersecurity legislation in the past year:

#1. Maryland - 8 laws enacted

#2. Florida - 4

#3 (tie). Virginia - 3

#3 (tie). Kentucky - 3

South Carolina new cybersecurity laws in 2022
- Bills enacted: 1
- Bills failed: 0
- Bills vetoed: 0

SC HB 5150
- Description: Makes appropriations and to provide revenues to meet the ordinary expenses of state government for the fiscal year beginning on a specified date, regulates the expenditure of such funds, provides further for the operation of state government during this fiscal year and for other purposes. Requires all state agencies to adopt and implement cyber security policies, guidelines and standards developed by the Department of Administration. The department may conduct audits on state agencies as necessary to monitor compliance with established cyber security policies, guidelines and standards.
- Read more about the bill here