Crisis Unfolds: A State Agency's Response To A Security Breach

It finally happened. We had a security breach that could have severe ramifications for a state agency. I was packing up to leave on a Friday when the webmaster came into my office and shut the door behind him. It was unusual for him to be in the office so late, and he looked particularly nervous. So I took off my coat, set down my briefcase and sat down. He refused the chair I offered him. "OK, what's going on?" I asked.

Well, uh, I think we have a problem with one of our Internet Web sites, and I'm afraid to tell you about it, but I think I have to, and I've already fixed the problem, but you might need to know about this, since you are the information security officer," he rambled. I held up my hand as if to say "Stop," and he collapsed into a chair with tears in his eyes.

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