HANOVER, Md. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Barbara Mikulski and Gov. Martin O’Malley are attending the launch in Hanover of the Maryland Cybersecurity Roundtable, aimed at expanding the state’s computer security industry.

Thursday’s event is the first meeting of the industry-led group. It springs from a state panel’s recommendation last year for capitalizing on the federal government agencies and military installations that play a big role in the state’s economy.

The group includes representatives from cybersecurity companies, military commands and federal government facilities and state government.

The group plans to meet regularly. Their meetings are open the public.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.