New cybersecurity directive coming from the NJ Governor and maybe soon your state or the federal government prohibits High-Risk software on government devices.  If your business is interested in the prohibition of certain software, reach out to us and as how August eTech can help

As of January 9^th, 2023, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a cybersecurity directive to ban the use of high-risk software, including TikTok on all State devices. The Directive will affect all departments, agencies, commissions, boards, and other Executive Branches of New Jersey State Government. This prohibition is implemented to ensure the safety, confidentiality, and integrity of information assets managed by the NJ state government to maintain strong cybersecurity. The term “High-Risk” software is in reference to apps and services that have unwanted access to confidential data, usually these services are produced by foreign countries or nations. For example, TikTok the popular video sharing and social networking app that is owned by the Chinese technology company, ByteDance.

Some of the prohibited software Vendor, Services, and Products include:

1. Huawei Technologies
2. Zhejiang Dahua Technology Co., Ltd., also doing business as Dahua
3. Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co., Ltd., also doing business as Hikvision

Tencent Holdings LTD, including:

1. WeChat
2. QQ
3. QQ Wallet

Alibaba products, including:

1. AliPay
2. Alibaba.com Mobile Apps
3. Hytera
4. ZTE Corporation

ByteDance Ltd., including:

1. TikTok
2. Kaspersky Lab

This new statewide prohibition of specific software will only effect NJ state jobs and NJ state government businesses. Agencies may have public health or safety issues with the prohibition of these services, with compelling reason, can submit an exception request with the NJCCIC (New Jersey Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell). With proper justification there can be cleared approval for use of some of the prohibited software.

As of Now Governor Murphy’s plan of action is to:

• Remove any referenced software products from State-owned, provided, or managed systems and devices.
• Implement network-based restrictions to prevent the use of, or access to, prohibited software or services.
• Implement measures to prevent the installation of referenced high-risk software products on State-owned or managed technology assets; and,
• Develop and implement plans to include risks associated with referenced high-risk software products and supply chain security into cybersecurity awareness and training programs.

This information comes from: Office of the Governor | Governor Murphy Announces Cybersecurity Directive to Prohibit Use of High-Risk Software on State Devices (nj.gov)

Check out that link to learn more, and if your business is interested in the prohibition of certain software, reach out to us and how August eTech can help.