Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Contact: Kurt Weiss, 517-335-0050

Lansing – The Michigan Department of Information Technology (MDIT) today announces the release of a new website promoting cyber security in Michigan government, businesses and private households.  Available at www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity, the site provides critical information regarding IT security for work, home, government and business.  This website was developed with federal Homeland Security grant funds in support of Michigan’s security strategies and goals.

In addition to educating Michigan citizens on best practices for IT security, this new website seeks to bolster security for Michigan’s businesses.  Because a presence on the web is so vital for any business in today’s technologically-driven economy, websites and electronic transactions must be secure.  MDIT’s new cyber security portal educates leaders on business continuity, personnel privacy and the physical security of IT assets.  By creating secure technological environments, businesses can develop strong, healthy infrastructures and in turn bring new jobs and economic development to Michigan.

MDIT Director of Enterprise Security Dan Lohrmann, hopes the site will help to improve Michigan’s IT Security Arena.  He says, “This new website touches on a broad spectrum of IT security issues.  From consumer privacy to corporate best practices and secure web transactions, we are hoping to raise awareness for Michigan’s citizens and businesses regarding IT security risks.”

In addition to IT security for businesses, the website contains information for individuals, students and kids, local units of government and state employees.  Paramount to state employees is the Michigan Online Security Training (MOST) portion of the site.  MOST is targeted at providing state employees with a clear understanding of computer and Internet security risks and ways to prevent and protect from such risks.  By developing a better informed workforce, the state hopes to continue to improve service to Michigan’s citizens and businesses.

“The Michigan Department of Information Technology is happy to release such a useful and informative website,” remarked Teri Takai, Director of the Department of Information Technology.   “By educating the people of Michigan and state employees about the importance of cyber security, we hope to foster the continued growth of Michigan’s technology sector.”

Lohrmann will officially announce the site tomorrow at the Michigan State University Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) May Forum.  The public is invited to attend this event, which will take place in the Mackinac Room of the House Office Building at 124 N Capitol Avenue in downtown Lansing at 11:00 a.m.   A $15 registration fee covers lunch and all materials. In its thirteenth year, the IPPSR policy forum series informs the policy debate by connecting campus and Capitol resources with decision makers.

[Note to Media: There is no cost for media to attend the policy forum.]