Burnet County is enhancing its adherence to Texas Senate Bill 1893, which imposes a ban on the widely used social media application TikTok on all government devices. To enforce this mandate effectively, the county’s IT department is in the process of installing sophisticated security software that will monitor all county employees’ internet-connected devices, including both cellphones and laptops.
The newly adopted policy seeks to implement the December 2022 directive from Governor Greg Abbott, which requires that all state agencies prohibit TikTok and similar applications. This move is driven by significant concerns regarding potential Chinese surveillance threats presented by ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company.
All agencies across the state, including local county governments, are required to establish this ban by November 20, as mandated by Government Code Chapter 620. Guidance provided by the state includes an example policy that emphasizes the importance for agencies to implement capabilities to remotely wipe noncompliant or compromised mobile devices while also uninstalling unauthorized applications from these devices.
Burnet County’s IT department has chosen to utilize BeyondTrust software to oversee and maintain device security, at an annual expenditure of $19,863.24.
“It allows us to prevent the downloading of applications, block any compromised content, and remotely wipe a device if it is ever stolen or misplaced,” said IT Project Coordinator Jackie Haynes. “This software gives us a means to enforce the Senate bill effectively, particularly as it pertains to device management.”
BeyondTrust also ensures compliance with the federal Criminal Justice Information Services security policy. This compliance is critical, as it dictates how criminal justice information is safeguarded by law enforcement and other governmental agencies. Haynes emphasized the necessity of compliance, stating that it enables Burnet County to securely manage sensitive information such as criminal histories and investigative details.
“If we’re not CJIS compliant, we risk losing access to critical resources like background checks, which would significantly impact operations, even potentially shutting down the jail,” Haynes said.
“Currently, if someone downloaded TikTok, we’d have limited means of knowing or enforcing the policy without the necessary tools,” Haynes said. “This new software allows us to monitor, enforce, and act if anyone violates the policy.”
elizabeth@thepicayune.com
**Interview with Burnet County IT Director, Sarah Thompson, on Implementing Texas Senate Bill 1893**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sarah. Burnet County is taking measures to comply with Texas Senate Bill 1893. Can you tell us what this means for your department?
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Yes, in response to Senate Bill 1893, our IT department is actively working to ensure all county employees comply with the new ban on TikTok and similar applications on government devices. This is part of a broader initiative to protect our data and address concerns around potential surveillance threats.
**Editor:** What steps are being taken to enforce this ban?
**Sarah Thompson:** We’re currently in the process of installing advanced security software across all county-issued devices, which will help us monitor internet usage and ensure compliance. This includes not just cellphones but also laptops and any other internet-connected devices used for work purposes.
**Editor:** Why is this ban seen as necessary by county officials?
**Sarah Thompson:** There are substantial concerns regarding cybersecurity and the potential risks to sensitive information. ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, is based in China, and there’s a legitimate worry about the app being a vector for surveillance. By adhering to this ban, we are proactively safeguarding our data and ensuring the integrity of our operations.
**Editor:** How will you communicate this policy change to all county employees?
**Sarah Thompson:** We are developing a comprehensive communication plan that will include informational sessions and formal notifications to all employees. It’s crucial that everyone understands the implications of this policy and the reasons behind it, as well as the timeline for full compliance by November 20.
**Editor:** What happens if an employee is found to be using TikTok on a government device?
**Sarah Thompson:** Should an employee be found in violation of the policy, we have the capability to remotely wipe noncompliant applications from their devices. There may also be disciplinary actions depending on the severity of the noncompliance, as we need to ensure that all employees take this directive seriously.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Sarah. It sounds like Burnet County is taking necessary steps for cybersecurity.
**Sarah Thompson:** Thank you. We believe that by implementing these measures, we are not only fulfilling our legal obligations but also promoting a secure working environment for all county employees.
