**Missouri's DOGE Effort Targets Cybersecurity as State Recovers from Hack**

The state of Missouri is still reeling from a recent computer hack that compromised sensitive information on its website, but lawmakers are now facing a new challenge: a proposed elimination of the cybersecurity task force tasked with protecting against such threats.

Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold) has introduced a bill to dissolve the Missouri Cybersecurity Task Force, which was created in 2020 to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on state government systems and data. The move comes as the Kehoe administration struggles to recover from the recent hack, which exposed sensitive information on thousands of state employees.

The Missouri government website, which is used by state employees to access their personal data, was forced offline for several days following the hack attempt. The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of state systems and the potential consequences of a more successful cyberattack.

"We can't just sit back and wait for another attack," said Coleman in an interview. "We need to take proactive steps to protect our citizens' data and ensure that we have the tools and resources necessary to prevent these types of incidents from happening in the first place."

However, some lawmakers are pushing back against the proposal to eliminate the cybersecurity task force. They argue that the group has been instrumental in identifying vulnerabilities and implementing solutions to improve state cybersecurity.

"This task force has done critical work in helping us understand the threats we face and how to address them," said Rep. Steve Lynch (D-St. Louis). "Eliminating it would be a mistake and could leave our citizens' data even more vulnerable."

The controversy comes as the state is still grappling with the aftermath of the recent hack, which exposed sensitive information on thousands of state employees. The incident has sparked concerns about the effectiveness of current cybersecurity measures and the need for greater investment in protecting against cyber threats.

"This incident should be a wake-up call for all of us," said Gov. Mike Parson. "We need to take immediate action to improve our cybersecurity posture and protect our citizens' data."

The proposed elimination of the Missouri Cybersecurity Task Force is just one aspect of a larger debate about how to address cyber threats in state government systems. As lawmakers continue to grapple with this issue, they will have to weigh competing priorities and make tough decisions to ensure that Missouri's data and systems are protected.