139 people participated in the Commonwealth's Information Security Officers Advisory Group (ISOAG) meeting Dec. 4. The keynote presentations were from CIT's MACH37 Project which allowed attendees an insight into upcoming security software development. In addition, Bob Baskette, VITA, provided a "UAD & DEP: Protection Mechanisms for Windows" followed by "2013 Commonwealth Security Annual Report."  The session was hosted by Commonwealth Chief Information Security Officer Michael Watson and VITA.

View meeting presentation

December's edition of VITA's Network News features a message from CIO Sam Nixon about the ongoing organization change management effort within VITA that will transform VITA into a service-optimized, customer-centric organization. This issue also includes an overview of SharePoint 2013, information on the upcoming ISOAG demo day at CESC and details on updates to security patching schedules.

Read December Network News

Online holiday shopping continues to grow in popularity. According to American Express, for the first time, more people are expected to shop online on Cyber Monday than visit brick and mortar stores on Black Friday. Shoppers are expected to spend nearly $62 billion online throughout the holiday season this year! Whether you’ll be conducting transactions from your desktop, laptop or mobile device, keep these tips in mind to help protect yourself from identity theft and other malicious activity on Cyber Monday, and throughout the year.

Read November Information Security Tips

On Nov. 12, US Cellular added Apple iPhone and iPad equipment and service to VITA’s state contract for cellular services.  The contract number is VA-090320-USCC and the on-line equipment list had been updated on VITA's website. With the addition of US Cellular, all state contracts for wireless services now offer Apple iPhones as an option. More information users can contact JB Edmonds, VITA Telecommunications Manager, jb.edmonds@vita.virginia.gov; or Ann Fisher, US Cellular, ann.fisher@uscellular.com.