State leaders meet in Colorado Springs to talk cyber security

State leaders from across the U.S. are in Colorado Springs to talk about cyber security. It’s part of a three-day cyber security conference happening at the Broadmoor Hotel.

From malware attacks to identity theft, cyber scares can happen to anyone.

“If we’re not fully prepared for the kind of intrusive malware fishing attacks, these kinds of hacking endeavors can cost state governments tens of millions of dollars,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper.

Hickenlooper is among 300 leaders from 10 different states, attending the conference.

“It’s been very educational as far as the threat we’re facing on a daily basis and the threat not only to commercial businesses but to the military and to the state,” said Paul Maas, with the Air National Guard.

Leaders discussed ways to prevent and respond to cyber attacks. Mass said the crisis is there but the awareness isn’t.

“Once it happens, then it’s got your attention. But until you have your identity stolen you really don’t understand it,” Mass said.

Most recently, the nation saw cyber attacks in this years election. Democratic National Committee emails were leaked suggesting the DNC played favorites during the primaries.

“We saw the hacking into the democratic party, there’s a lot of concern about the ability of foreign countries or evil doers to hack into our election system,” Hickenlooper said.

The leaked e-mails prompted the resignation of the DNC chair. Moving forward, leaders discussed the need to educate youth.

“We really do have to look at kids growing up, they’re born pushing buttons and using smart phones. So how do we get them to really be aware of security using devices,” Hickenlooper said.

The conference wraps up Tuesday night.