State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings
(The Center Square) – As his agency works to correct compliance findings by the state’s auditor general, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly says Firearm Owner’s Identification Card backlogs have been eliminated and processing times have improved.
Kelly appeared before the Legislative Audit Commission and addressed findings that his department did not comply with FOID Act requirements.
Courtney Dzierwa of the Auditor General’s Office said renewal fees were deposited into the wrong fund, and ISP was late to provide notification of expiring cards in some cases.
“We recommended the department ensure notifications to FOID card holders are sent in a timely manner and ensure fees are deposited in accordance with the act,” Dzierwa said.
Kelly said the FOID system has been modernized and the backlog has been eliminated.
“The average processing time now for a new FOID card is 14 days, and that’s well below the statutory limitation,” Kelly said.
Dzierwa said the auditor’s most recent examination had 32 findings, but no new material weaknesses and an overall reduction of weaknesses.
State Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, expressed concern about an audit finding that ISP did not maintain adequate security controls over computer systems to safeguard confidential information.
“That’s a big red flag for me, so I’d like you to talk to me about what you’ve done to remediate,” Ellman said.
Kelly said ISP uses software from 35 different vendors.
“We’re pretty close to having all the vendors now meeting the requirements we expect from all of them in terms of their cyber security requirements, the agreements that they have in order to do business with the Illinois State Police,” Kelly said.
Kelly said his office has been more aggressive in training workers to not respond to phishing emails.
“It’s concerning that you see smart, intelligent people that will click on something that they shouldn’t,” Kelly said.
###
Chance Showers And Thunderstorms
Latest News Stories
Chicago aldermen call out transportation dept. over Complete Streets, bike lanes
Exclusive: Teachers forced to un-teach social media claims
Illinois quick hits: Moody’s predicts static job growth in Illinois
Trump’s proposed firing rule could save taxpayers $6.1 million yearly
‘Very selfish’: EU sanctions on Russia fertilizer will weaken U.S., food security
Seattle’s FIFA World Cup 2026 windfall: Opportunities and risks
WATCH: ‘Waters Edge’ tax breaks would end if California bill passes
Election security takes center stage as GOP lawmakers push three reform bills
Johnson wants to extend rules blocking Congress from voting on Trump’s tariffs
FIGHT Act targets animal cruelty, illegal gambling, trafficking
White House says Trump can protect ranchers while importing more beef
Warrants outline possible criminal probe of 2020 Georgia elections
White House stands behind Commerce Secretary amid Epstein disclosures
