`Tis the Season for Cybersecurity

Tweet. Snap. Like. These three words have dominated ways of communicating with friends, family, and colleagues across the globe. As we’re nearing one of the busiest seasons of the year filled with festive holidays, shopping lists of Christmas presents, and more reasons to communicate with our loved ones, we’re also nearing a season of heightened cyber vulnerability and the need for cybersecurity.

I am thankful to lead a bureau reflecting teamwork through our divisions and the testimony of strong leadership reflected by our team leaders. From Applications Development, the Data Center, Security, Telecommunications, the Customer Services Divisions, and our agency partners, they all contribute to safeguarding the confidential digital assets for our clients and constituents across South Dakota.  This month, I’d like to highlight the Bureau of Information and Telecommunication’s Security Division and their mission to continually perform monitoring, analysis, and incident management services across South Dakota’s information technology resources. Their work to enhance defenses, ensure assets, and protect and secure sensitive information is crucial to maintain the state’s security and integrity. The Security Division of BIT is divided into two of the following areas: Security Operations Center (SOC) – The SOC primarily focuses on Threat Analysis, Intelligence gathering, and Engineering. With their efforts, we can ensure that BIT and other 3rd party application software storing state government data are utilizing the necessary security standards. They also serve as the gatekeepers on monitoring mentions, web site targets, and any application vulnerabilities that could target BIT or other state government entities. Through the team’s partnership with other state governments across the nation, the federal Department of Homeland Security, and the FBI, the Security Operations Center is taking cyber defense and preparation to the next level to keep our data and resources secure. K-12 Risk Assessment Services – The Risk Assessment program is a partnership between BIT and the Department of Education, funded by the 2019 Legislature. This new service focuses on assessing cybersecurity standards for South Dakota K-12 schools – ensuring that some of our most vulnerable entities are undergoing crucial assessments of their external and internal devices.  Another great component of our security division is the countless number of opportunities it provides for young adults – ensuring a step in the right direction for career readiness for South Dakota students across the board. From providing seasonal internship opportunities to partnering with Dakota State University to provide a Cyber Residency Program, students are receiving opportunities to work alongside experienced cybersecurity professionals and gain hands-on work experience. We are grateful for the hard work and motivation these students have to offer and bring to serve alongside our team to better serve South Dakota. Thank you all for your dedication to provide better and more secure opportunities for our clients and constituents. As we work towards improving communication among divisions, I look forward to getting to know more about you and continuing to build a strong team. Your recommendations are always welcome and appreciated. Please reach out to your directors or feel free to send ideas directly to me.  Preparing to shop online? Be sure to check out these tips to keep your personal information safe! Happy Holidays from your friendly BIT team!