'I think the first cut we're taking on this is that data classified as not-public data should really remain on state agency networks.' 'Our strategy is really straightforward, at least the minimum baseline that we're coming out with,' he said. He already has issued a security policy that addresses acceptable use of mobile assets, such as laptops, MP3 players and PDAs. Buse, who started mid-June, is charged with tackling the state's security issues, and advocates for state agencies looking to gain security funding from the Legislature. However, shouldn't government entities more aggressively ensure the security of their data?ДЄfter sustaining laptop and data thefts in several of its agencies, Minnesota created its first CISO position. 'We can't really give you an answer that says this is happening consistently across all state government.' 'There's certainly stuff being done, but right now every agency is basically taking care of stuff at its own discretion,' said Chris Buse, CISO of Minnesota. States face the same dilemma when securing mobile assets.

The problem isn't only at the local government level. 'But from a best practices standpoint, they should all be looking at it through at least the same kind of vision.' 'For instance, one county might be looking at it completely with a different set of eyes,' he said. In addition, the county standardized on anti-malware software, which protects against worms and Trojans that may contain malicious codes.ДЄlthough his county is taking these steps, Dickey said, there aren't consistent security standards across government. 'You wouldn't leave your keys to your car in your car,' Dickey said, 'but a lot of people just leave their computers turned on and walk away from their desks.'Д¬hanging this mindset and other issues calls for establishing policies and procedures on acceptable use of government assets.Д¬ontra Costa County established such policies and procedures, according to Dickey. 'Most people look at security controls, authentication and access controls to be an inconvenience,' Dickey said.ДЄnother security issue surrounding technology is that government workers tend to have a lackadaisical mindset regarding government assets. In addition, he said technology manufacturers usually think about marketability and user-friendliness as opposed to security.Д«ecause accessibility is heavily promoted in our society, it has become second nature for many individuals to use mobile devices - and they don't want barriers. 'Technology has generated faster than the security has kept up with it,' Dickey said, adding that security is always chasing technology. The problem government agencies face with ensuring security measures doesn't lie solely with lengthy legislative processes and funding issues, but is further heightened by rapid technological evolution. Localities were omitted from the California law because the state didn't want to be financially responsible for funding local governments to comply with the regulations, Dickey said. Kevin Dickey, chief information security officer (CISO) of Contra Costa County, Calif., described some of the laws as knee-jerk decisions, including California's SB 1386, which covers private industry and state agencies, but exempts local governments. More recently California followed suit by passing SB 1386, which mandates that public and private organizations notify customers if their personal information has been illegally accessed.

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