The Audit Connection Blog
Check out these free cybersecurity resources!
Often local governments cite lack of resources for why they cannot move forward with their cybersecurity program – but did you know there are many resources available at no cost to you? ... CONTINUE READING
What would you do if a cyber attack happened to you?
Becoming the victim of a cyber attack can spark feelings of panic and dread. But maybe if you were fortunate enough to know that this could happen to anyone, and know that your government planned for such an event – maybe you might feel a little less panicked in that moment. ... CONTINUE READING
Five steps you can take to address Ransomware risks
Ransomware is on the rise for governments as a whole. Here are five steps to help your government avoid falling prey to this crime. ... CONTINUE READING
Are you considering everything you should do when employees leave your employment?
At work, staff come and go. However, if user access for a former employee does not get removed, that access could be exploited for undesirable purposes by a disgruntled employee, other staff, or even a hacker. ... CONTINUE READING
Cybersecurity advice you can use
As a part of Cybersecurity Awareness month, the Center for Government Innovation at the Office of the Washington State Auditor has put together some important tips and advice for local governments on cybersecurity best practices. This one-page guide is quick and informative, with actionable items anyone who works for local government- from finance to HR, from leadership to IT—can take to reduce cyber risks and #BeCyberSmart. ... CONTINUE READING
Are you a finance professional in a local government? #BeCyberSmart.
As a finance or administrative professional in a local government, you have key responsibilities for managing that government's resources. In your role, you interact with all aspects of a local government's operations as you inform budgetary decisions. We've created a document with three things you can do right now as a finance professional to #BeCyberSmart. After you read it, make sure to take a look at all the resources we have available on our #BeCyberSmart webpage for local government employees. ... CONTINUE READING
Join MS-ISAC for National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
Don’t miss the Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) national webinar event to be held October 3, 2019, for national cybersecurity awareness month! ... CONTINUE READING
Piggybacking law change eases contract requirement
In 2019, the Legislature amended the statute to allow any public agency to use the bid of another public agency for its own purposes if the awarding agency met their own bidding requirements. This is a change to how our Office looks at piggybacking and group purchasing arrangements. For audit purposes, we would expect local governments to evaluate group purchasing contracts as outlined below. ... CONTINUE READING
Stay cyber safe during Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October ushers in the official fall—leaves scattering on the sidewalks, longer nights and a chilling breeze. The month of October also has special significance here at the State Auditor’s Office—Cybersecurity Awareness Month. All month long, we will be sharing cybersecurity resources to help governments of all sizes stay cyber safe. ... CONTINUE READING
Every government in Washington has a duty to safeguard the resources entrusted to it; our new guide shows you how
Segregation of duties, or separating conflicting duty assignments in your government, can help protect your local government’s assets. But which duties do you segregate, and what are your options if you cannot feasibly do this? What if you are a very small entity with limited resources? Our Office recognizes how challenging this can be, so the Center for Government Innovation created a new resource to help you get started, no matter your size. ... CONTINUE READING