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2005 SESSION

055291784
SENATE BILL NO. 1252
Offered January 17, 2005
A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-2009 of the Code of Virginia, relating to security of government databases.
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Patron-- O'Brien
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Referred to Committee on General Laws
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 2.2-2009 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 2.2-2009. Additional duties of the CIO relating to security of government database.

A. To ensure the security of state government databases and data communications from unauthorized uses, intrusions or other security threats, the CIO shall direct the development of policies, procedures and standards for assessing security risks, determining the appropriate security measures and performing security audits of government databases and data communications. At a minimum, these policies, procedures and standards shall address the scope of security audits and which public bodies are authorized to conduct security audits. In developing and updating such policies, procedures and standards, the CIO shall consider, at a minimum, the advice and recommendations of the Council on Technology Services created pursuant to § 2.2-2651.

B. The CIO shall designate a government entity to oversee, plan and coordinate the conduct of periodic semi-annual security audits of all executive branch agencies and institutions of higher education regarding the protection of government databases and data communications.

1. Security audits may include, but are not limited to, on-site audits as well as reviews of all written security procedures.

2. The designated entity may contract with a private firm or firms that specialize in conducting such audits subject to approval of the CIO.

C. All public bodies subject to such audits as required by this section shall fully cooperate with the entity designated to perform such audits.

D. The provisions of this section shall not infringe upon responsibilities assigned to the Comptroller, the Auditor of Public Accounts, or the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission by other provisions of the Code of Virginia.

E. (Effective January 1, 2005) The CIO shall promptly receive reports from directors of departments in the executive branch of state government made in accordance with § 2.2-603 and shall take such actions as are necessary, convenient or desirable to ensure the security of the Commonwealth's databases and data communications.

F. The CIO shall report the results of the security audits conducted pursuant to this section semi-annually to the Governor and the General Assembly.