Just five days into his visit to Jerusalem, Israel, Secretary Merrill has been exposed to a variety of challenges, perspectives, and preventative measures in the world of cybersecurity.
“Israel’s cybersecurity efforts are leading the world, and I am grateful for the opportunity to study and learn from their practices. After meeting with key leaders from Israel’s defense apparatus and election administration, I am more confident than ever in the direction America is moving in to secure our elections,” reported Secretary Merrill.
With an agenda full of intensive travel and education, Secretary Merrill has participated in training sessions with various leaders including Yigal Unna, Director General of the Israel National Cyber Directorate, Roy Zwebner, CEO of Gav-Yam Negev Advanced Technologies Park, Dr. Einat Wilf, Former Member of Knesset (Israeli Parliament), numerous policy analysts, and the Secretaries of State from 10 other American states.
Through visits to the Cyber Security Experience Centre, Peres Innovation Center, and other policy institutes, Secretary Merrill has been able to learn first-hand about the complex issues in which Israel has encountered and how the state has overcome obstacles facing national infrastructure, elections, defense, and business operations.
“I am excited to bring this knowledge back to my home state of Alabama as we strive to remain on the forefront of election security. Due to our exposure to the most proactive measures as taken by Israel, my colleagues and I have learned how to best prevent any attempt at interference with U.S. elections,” continued Merrill.
