Census Bureau Brings in New Security Policy

This was written by Michael W. Cheek on Thursday, July 22, 2010, 10:12.

A new Census Bureau policy will allow managers to revoke the Internet privileges of employees who fail to follow established security protocols, according to Federal News Radio.

“I don’t foresee it being something that’s abused,” said Tim Ruland, Chief Information Technology Security Officer at the Census Bureau. “I think it’s going to be used very cautiously because, let’s face it, it’s an Internet world. It’s an option. It’s a management option. It’s not something we’re advocating…The manager needs to determine that. It’s a risk-based decision.”

The office of the CITSO keeps records on incidents related to specific employees and also tracks in-bound and out-bound traffic. The data can be released to managers to help them decide whether or not to suspend Internet privileges of employees.

According to Ruland, his office must re-image around 20 computer every month due to use of social media and in appropriate surfing habits.

“When you have to re-image a PC, you’re taking staff away from the IT directorate, but more importantly you’re taking the ability of that individual to do their job,” Ruland said.

His office is currently working on a handbook for employees regarding good cyber hygiene.

“We determined that there was a need to try and give something to somebody that they could have at their desk, that we could give them when they come in,” he said. “It’s based on things that we’re seeing: what they should worry about when they’re going on Facebook, what they should worry about when they’re going on the Web and doing their business or surfing.”