FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — A group tasked with providing recommendations on how to make Virginia a leader in cyber security is beginning its work.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe on Wednesday kicked off the inaugural meeting of the Virginia Cyber Security Commission at George Mason University in Fairfax.

The group was established by executive order and brings together 17 public and private sector experts.

Officials say McAuliffe emphasized the urgency of growing Virginia’s cyber industry to both enhance the state’s security capabilities and expand economic opportunity.

The initial meeting included the official administering of the oath of office for the commission members, briefings from cyber industry leaders and in-depth discussions on the current state of Virginia’s cyber industry.

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