Maverick County approves computer security measures
By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2015
Computer technology helps governmental entities and their employees to record, store, transfer, and use large data in a more productive and efficient manner. However, computer technology can be easily hacked or compromised if not protected by sophisticated software programs and well-established procedures and regulations. Maverick County is no exception.
Maverick County Commissioners Court unanimously approved to establish and implement computer security measures for all County-owned computers at their Monday, August 10, 2015 meeting.
Maverick County Judge David R. Saucedo called Agenda Item No.14 for the possible action to implement computer security for all departments in Maverick County.
“This is for the Information Technology Department. We’re going to get some new software that is to be utilized by the Justice of the Peace Offices and some of the other court systems. At the same time, we’d like to make sure that we implement those security measures for all computers within Maverick County to make sure that the individual who uses a computer is held responsible for whatever happens on that computer system,” said Judge Saucedo.
Maverick County Information Technology Director Armando Gonzalez presented Commissioners Court a detailed presentation regarding computer security in all of the County’s computers. “We have through the policy that is in place right now that the majority of the accessing websites via the internet depends on the department head of the place and I.T. So, not necessarily can I.T. say I’m going to block, restrict certain websites. I need to put restrictions on your computer because it has to come from the department head. So we’ve had issues, prior to today, where we need this security to be implemented for the person or persons who handles or enters into that P.C. and will be held accountable for anything that might happen,” said Armando Gonzalez.
Gonzalez advised Commissioners Court how the computer protective measures would work and what measures would be set for the court reporting system as well.
Gonzalez noted that one of the system programs that would be implemented was a cut-off switch to any computer system dealing with the new court reporting system that would automatically shut off a computer system if inactive for more than 10 minutes, in order to not leave that computer compromised to unauthorized use.
“So that is what we’re trying to get and protect,” said Gonzalez.
Commissioner Roberto Ruiz asked Gonzalez if it is possible to block certain social media websites from being accessed throughout the entire Maverick County computer systems.
Gonzalez replied that “Yes” it is possible and currently the County Information Technology . department has many social media websites blocked from County-owned computers.
“That is something that we can do,” said Gonzalez.
“Can you make it through the whole county?” asked Ruiz.
Gonzalez advised Commissioner Ruiz that such decision would be based on the County department heads pursuant to current policies in effect.
“But we can change, policy?” asked Ruiz.
“Yes,” replied Gonzalez.
Judge Saucedo then intervened and stated “That’s what we’re doing here.”
“Part of it, is and part of it, is not,” said Gonzalez.
“Certain items such as Facebook should be blocked,” said Ruiz.
“After this approval, there would be a change in the policy,” noted Gonzalez.
Judge Saucedo brought up a point for clarification as to how the policy to be set would work with certain departments who are administered by an elected official and if the county can govern such decision for those type of departments.
Maverick County Human Resources Director Jesus Sanchez stated that the county already has a policy set in place for social media.
“The department heads or elected officials are responsible for how they implement it at the different departments. The social media policy can give direction to all the departments, not just certain departments. I believe that when commissioner’s court approves a policy, it’s there for everyone. Whether, you’re a department or an elected official that policy needs to be adhered to,” said Sanchez.
Sanchez stated that the policy would most likely have to be brought back to Commissioners Court to add certain amendments to it. “It should work. There shouldn’t be any problems to it.”
Commissioner Ruiz insisted the importance of setting such blockage on social media accessibility and websites on County computers due to potential decreases of productivity and inefficiency from employees or personnel. “We care about productivity. I would like to see some kind of action on it,” added Ruiz.
Maverick County Auditor Sandra Watkins stated that setting such computer security measures was more than just about security and blockages, but rather also to set certain measures of authority in the voiding of transactions which would help in deterring fraudulent behavior.
After discussion, Commissioners Court unanimously approved to implement computer security measures on all County computers. Commissioner Jerry Morales left early to go speak and represent Maverick County at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Public Hearing on Coal Mining in Texas.
