Date:  December 15, 2009
Contact: Kurt Weiss, MDIT, (517) 335-0050

Michigan First in Nation to Share Federally Developed Technology

MDIT Partners with DHS to Enhance Computer Security

Lansing, MI -  State of Michigan computer networks will now be protected by analysts leveraging some of the most advanced security technology in the world,  thanks to an innovative new partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

Under the agreement between DHS and the Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT), special state-of-the-art "Einstein" monitoring technology will be used to analyze anomalies indicative of threats to the State's network and system security.  As a result, State of Michigan data traffic will receive the same high level of protection against identity theft and cyber attacks as federal networks.

Michigan is the first state to implement coordination with DHS regarding the Einstein capability.  It is being installed at no cost to the State.

"The proof of concept will enhance Michigan's computer security and benefit Michigan's ability to identify and resolve a greater range of threats," Governor Jennifer M. Granholm said.  "I am pleased with the tremendous collaboration and coordination between our state and a broad range of federal government entities."

Over the past seven years, MDIT has been recognized as a cyber security leader amongst the fifty states by the National Association of State CIOs (NASCIO) on several occasions. Michigan has won numerous awards for their management of government networks and protection of citizen information.  Because of MDIT's ability to centrally manage the security of information technology assets, DHS identified the State of Michigan as a partner to participate in the innovative security program pilot.
   
"This allows us to work closer with the federal government to improve our detection of malicious activity," said Ken Theis, Director of MDIT and CIO for the State of Michigan.  "We are leveraging a federal investment here in Michigan that allows us to better protect our systems, and ultimately our citizen data."

Over the past year, DHS and the State of Michigan have coordinated to assess the feasibility and development of the concept being piloted.  This included connectivity and analytics with the United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT), the Office of General Counsel (OGC), and other policy and compliance offices, as well as counsel to address legal and policy issues.  Technical staff from the National Cyber Security Division has also been engaged throughout the process.

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