Michigan State Undergoes Critical Audit of Computer Network Security

According to auditor general of Michigan, computer systems of Michigan State can be easily attacked as the cyber-security arrangements of the state are poorly maintained.

On March 16, the audit that was extremely critical found release when concerns were high regarding hacking of computers belonging to the government, especially the election related computers, by countries including Russia, while Gov. Rick Snyder attempted at placing Michigan government in the lead of cyber-security arena.

In an experimental phishing attack by Michigan auditors against 5,000 arbitrarily chosen employees of the state, it was determined that almost 33% clicked on the e-mail, 25% hit the link while nearly 20% typed in their username-and-password. This fake attack helped the auditors know there were vulnerabilities within the PC-network of Michigan's government, as also that it wasn't mandatory for all workers for taking the training on cyber-security awareness. Incidentally, through e-mail phishing campaigns wherein hackers dupe e-mail recipients via pretending to be genuine entities, the result can be ID-thefts. Phys.org posted this, March 16, 2018.

Anna Heaton, gubernatorial spokeswoman says there's constant evolution of technological threats which's why it's very important to have cyber-security even as it poses a great challenge too. Michigan governor feels pride in the state working as role model towards creating responses to the said threat. However, the threats indicate methods for improvement while it'll be made sure the department gets necessary resources for achieving the purpose, Heaton adds.

The audit reached the conclusion that Michigan's technology department had moderate sufficiency in creating as well as deploying protected IT network, while maintained fairly efficacious security monitoring as well as access controls. Covering the time-period 2014-17, the audit stated the state didn't wholly establish and enforce a very good procedure of updates management for operating systems of network devices. A total 10 vulnerabilities of high-or-medium seriousness got identified.

No instances of hacking into Michigan government's system were cited in the audit that stated the system was generally stable. However, it indeed detected much vulnerability.

According to one state spokesman, Michigan is already enforcing the auditors' suggestions, while state computers held data secure and safe.

» SPAMfighter News - 3/22/2018