Cyber threats don’t stop at city limits or company walls—and neither should cybersecurity. At Target, that spirit of collaboration is embodied by Jennifer Czaplewski, Vice President of Cybersecurity, who serves as co-chair of the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force.
The task force brings together state and local government leaders, tribal nations, and private industry experts to protect people, data, and infrastructure from cyber threats. As one of only two private-sector members, Jennifer helps bridge the gap between large enterprises and smaller organizations—bringing a private-sector perspective that helps make cybersecurity strategies more practical and accessible.
This collaboration in Minnesota is part of a broader movement across the country to close the gap between public and private cybersecurity efforts. It’s a model for how shared expertise can make every community stronger.
The Target Tech team sat down with Jennifer during Cybersecurity Awareness Month to talk about her leadership with the task force, the power of collaboration, and how we can build a safer digital future—together.
Q: What is the mission of the task force, and why is it important to Minnesota?
A: Regardless of where we live or work, we all count on government services—whether it’s renewing a driver’s license, paying taxes, or getting emergency alerts. We want to know that our information is safe and that those systems are reliable. But the reality is, cyber threats don’t discriminate. Whether you’re a global retailer or a small-town government, you can still be a target.
That’s what makes our work on the task force so important. We exist to provide guidance and support to help organizations of all sizes across Minnesota strengthen their defenses. It brings leaders in the industry together so we can share what works and help everyone find practical solutions.
Q: Why did you decide to get involved?
A: Cybersecurity really is a team sport and I’ve been actively involved in the broader cybersecurity community in Minnesota for years—sharing ideas, learning from peers, and finding ways to strengthen our collective defenses. Through that work, I connected with the Minnesota Chief Information Security Officer and was invited to join the task force. It felt like a natural extension of work I was already doing: Target has always believed in contributing to the broader security community, not just within retail, but across sectors. The task force gives me the opportunity to share my private sector knowledge in an effort to help advance cybersecurity for everyone.
Q: The task force recently released a Whole-of-State Cybersecurity plan. What are some key highlights?
A: What I love about this plan is that it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. It recognizes that every organization has different needs and resources. The recommendations are really practical and actionable. For example, it focuses on making sure organizations have strong endpoint protection, like keeping laptops safeguarded against ransomware. It also encourages the use of pre-negotiated group licenses for managed detection and response services, which can make advanced protection more accessible for smaller organizations. Overall, it’s a roadmap that helps everyone take meaningful steps to be more secure.
Q: How do practices from large organizations like Target translate to smaller entities?
A: Because cybersecurity is a team sport, collaboration is at the heart of how we approach it at Target. We’re constantly working with partners and peers to share knowledge and strengthen defenses together because it’s extremely difficult to tackle today’s evolving threats alone. Smaller organizations don’t need to replicate what a Fortune 50 company does, but they can apply scaled versions of the same principles. Things like conducting regular risk assessments, using managed detection and response services, and focusing on strong fundamentals—patching, access controls, and training—can make a huge difference. When we share what works and learn from one another, everyone gets stronger.
Q: What has been the most rewarding part of serving on the task force?
A: I’ve enjoyed learning how government really works when it comes to cybersecurity. I’ve gained a new appreciation for how complex it can be when it comes to navigating funding, resources, and processes while still keeping essential services secure. The teams I’ve met are incredibly creative and resourceful—they have to be. They’re finding ways to protect their communities with limited resources, and they do it because they genuinely care about making a difference.
That’s been really inspiring to see.
It’s also been meaningful for me to contribute to strengthening cybersecurity in the state where I live and work. It feels good to know that the work we’re doing together is making Minnesota more secure. Plus, I’ve learned a lot that I can take back to my own team at Target, new perspectives and approaches that help us continue improving how we operate.
Q: What advice do you have for team members who want to get involved in cybersecurity efforts in their community or industry?
A: Get involved. Be open and know that you’ll both give and receive value. The task force meetings are public, and there’s room for more voices at the table. If you bring your expertise with an open mindset, you’ll not only contribute but also learn from peers. It’s rewarding work, and it reinforces the idea that cybersecurity is stronger when we all work together.
Building a Safer Future—Together
As the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force continues its work, Target remains committed to collaboration that strengthens digital resilience—locally and beyond. To learn more, explore Minnesota’s Whole-of-State Cybersecurity Plan and see how the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force is helping communities protect people, data, and infrastructure across the state.