DETROIT – Gov. Rick Snyder unveiled the Michigan Cyber Initiative 2015 to an audience of nearly 700 information technology experts and professionals on Monday during what he billed as the North American International Cyber Summit in Detroit.

Snyder, who was re-elected earlier this month for a second four-year term, outlined an ambitious plan over the next four years to protect the state from cyber attacks, but also help Michigan become a national leader for cyber protection, education an economic development.

He borrowed the International title from the North American International Auto Show held each January at the same Cobo Center. The first two Cyber Summits ? 2011 and 2013 – were more Michigan focused. But Monday?s event drew attendees from around the country and world.

Hosted by Snyder and the Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the summit brought officials from the public and private sectors together to focus on the emerging issues in cybersecurity.

?The role of cybersecurity in the public and private sector continues to gain importance as we steadily conduct more and more business over the Internet,? Snyder said. ?Our vision from four years ago isn?t good enough today. We need to consistently review and update as technology evolves. Bringing together national thought leaders at forums such as this is critical to ensuring a safe and secure cyber environment.?

The Michigan Cyber Initiative 2015 builds upon the success of the 2011 policy, taking the next steps in securing the state?s sensitive data and expanding education to students of all ages to prepare the next generation to safely navigate the cyber world.

?Michigan is in a great position to make strides in cybersecurity,? said Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget Director and State CIO David Behen. ?We are extremely fortunate to have an executive like Governor Snyder who understands the need to dedicate resources toward protecting the state?s computer systems. Michigan also benefits from having a centralized IT model, which allows state government to adapt quickly to new technologies and threats.?

National experts joining Gov. Snyder at the summit were Mayor Mike Duggan, mayor, City of Detroit; Major General Gregory J. Vadnais, director, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and Adjutant General of the Michigan National Guard; Col. Tim Lunderman, National Guard Bureau Adviser to the Commander of USCYBERCOM; David De Vries, acting principal deputy CIO, U.S. Department of Defense; Lieutenant General Edward C. Cardon, U.S. Army Cyber Command; Michael Chertoff, former secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and executive chairman and co-founder of The Chertoff Group, along with numerous other private partners.

To read the online version of the report, click on Michigan.Gov/cybersecurity