New York CIO Angelo Riddick said the Empire State is investing in new cybersecurity precautions and sharing with its local governments.

The change came after an executive order from Gov. Kathy Hochul that allowed the VA to share its COVID-19 vaccine records with the state.

Federal directives on cybersecurity aren't mandates for states, but many try to follow their guidance anyway, speakers said during an ATARC event.

"This is long overdue," said Ohio CIO Ervan Rodgers, who led his colleagues in sharing how they've dealt with COVID-19 and other challenges.

Angelo "Tony" Riddick steps in for Jeremy Goldberg, an adviser to Gov. Andrew Cuomo who served as interim CIO for more than a year.

Rupert O. Ross, currently the IT chief for the territory's judicial branch, will replace Angelo Riddick, the acting CIO since November 2016.

Commentary: U.S. Virgin Islands CIO Angleo "Tony" Riddick shares how the 2017 hurricane season tried his territory's emergency plans and continues to affect operations today.