October 12, 2006

Lansing – In the ongoing battle to ensure that computer systems are secure, the Michigan Department of Information Technology today announced the formation of the Michigan Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MI-ISAC).  The purpose of the MI-ISAC is to further the partnership between the State of Michigan and local units of government to:

• Provide two-way sharing of information on threats to computer systems and their infrastructure
• Provide a process for gathering and disseminating information related to those threats
• Ensure security incident information is shared between state and local governments
• Promote awareness of the interdependencies between computer or cyber security and physical security  

Michigan in partnership with the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) and US-CERT is one of five lead adopter states to implement this program.  The center will allow local government participants to communicate securely, share documents, and display alert level status on cybersecurity related topics.  The initiative is in concert with the strategic objectives defined in the Department of Homeland Security’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace. 

The MI-ISAC is a voluntary and collaborative organization whose membership is opened to government representatives from counties, cities and other municipalities as well as public universities throughout Michigan.  Still in the early planning stages, individuals from the following units of government have shown interest in becoming members of the MI-ISAC: City of Alpena, City of Ann Arbor, City of East Lansing, City of Grand Rapids, City of Lansing, City of Livonia, City of Wyoming, Crawford County, Genesee County, Gratiot County, Hillsdale County, Kent County, Lenawee County, Macomb County, Michigan State University, Monroe County, Oakland County, University of Michigan.
 
This effort to enhance the security and readiness of Michigan to deal with cyber threats is in direct response to the growing concern of outside attack on our computer systems.  MI-ISAC is expected to become operational mid-November 2006. All local units of government and public universities are encouraged to join and may do so by going to www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity .