Untitled Document

ITD cyber-security initiative announced as finalist in national awards

A department cyber-security initiative has been selected as a finalist in the national State IT Recognition Awards. The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) selected Idaho as one of four finalists, joining efforts by Colorado, Michigan and Pennsylvania in the final group.

The final groupings were announced Aug. 11 in Lexington, Ky. Announcement of the winner will be held at the upcoming NASCIO annual conference, Oct. 11-14, in Salt Lake City, Utah.

"I am very proud of ITD's Cyber Security Team and their innovative approach to managing the department's program and measuring their results," said IT Administrator Shannon Barnes. "This is very challenging work. They strive every day to keep our information safe from cyber-security threats."

The initiative, which safeguards department information and the technology infrastructure relied upon, and which ultimately serves Idaho citizens and safety partners, was unveiled in Nov. 2014.

ITD used the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cyber Security Framework to create an effective cyber security program. The department has been recognized by the Transportation Research Board as the first state agency in the nation to implement the NIST framework in such an effective manner.

NASCIO awards are determined by peer review.

"I believe this is very meaningful to award finalists; it is a nod from your colleagues nationwide that says you're doing amazing work," explained James "Bo" Reese, CIO for the state of Oklahoma and Awards Committee co-chair.

This year's high quality of nominations shows that states continue to innovate and achieve great results, according to NASCIO.

The NASCIO awards emphasize "information technology initiatives which exemplify best practices, support public policy goals of state leaders, assist government officials in innovatively executing their duties and provide cost-effective service to citizens."