MINNESOTA AUDIT CLAIMS SENSITIVE DATA UNPROTECTED AT MINN. PUBLIC SAFETY DEPT....Audit: Sensitive data unprotected at Minn. Public Safety Dept.... | KXNet.com North Dakota News

Audit: Sensitive data unprotected at Minn. Public Safety Dept....

Nov 2 2007 11:54AM
Associated Press

Audit: Sensitive data unprotected at Minn. Public Safety Dept.

ST. PAUL (AP) The legislative auditor says Minnesota's top law enforcement agency failed to protect sensitive computer information and equipment such as laptop computers.

According to the audit manager, inadequate oversight of computer security and equipment inventory at the state Public Safety Department put confidential information at risk and left the agency open to exploitation and even potential fraud.

Public safety officials said there's no evidence of any data breaches. They promised tighter oversight.

Among other findings, the audit found almost 950 of the agency's computers lacked encryption as recently as May, in violation of state policy. Another 300 laptop computers had no cable locks or other physical security devices, making them vulnerable.

The audit found no indication of problems with oversight of firearms or other dangerous weapons.