http://www.globetechnology.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20031217.gtnsns1217/BNStory/Technology/ Canadian Press Dec. 17, 2003 HALIFAX - Tighter security is needed to prevent on-line thieves from using the province's bookkeeping software to steal from the public purse, Nova Scotia's auditor general says in his annual report. Roy Salmon said Wednesday that too many civil servants have access to secret passwords and log-on procedures, and a sweeping audit is needed. The 2003 report estimates about 1,000 people have access to the system that watches over the province's $5-billion budget. "Someone [who] is dishonest, they can pay their own bills electronically," Mr. Salmon told a news conference. Though the report doesn't give examples of theft since the system was set up six years ago, Mr. Salmon said the government should improve security before it's too late. The report noted that 269 people had access to sensitive codes that could be used to alter the financial software, and "a few" former government employees still have valid passwords. Mr. Salmon also found the province narrowly averted a complete shutdown when mould was discovered in the building where the data centre is based. "Had [the mould] been more toxic - the building could have been closed for a prolonged period," the report says. Mr. Salmon also recommended management create a plan to recover data if there is a shutdown. "If it caught fire or blew up, you'd have no system," he said. - ISN is currently hosted by Attrition.org To unsubscribe email majordomo@private with 'unsubscribe isn' in the BODY of the mail.
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