The Barry County Board of Commissioners committee of the whole Tuesday recommended a network security audit and vulnerability assessment review by MGT Consulting Group for $24,500, requested by IT director David Shinavier.

 

The audit will be from the outside in and the inside out, he said. MGT staff will be on site to look at the county policy, bringing their own equipment to scan the county’s equipment looking for openings. They also try to breach the county’s system from their offices.  They will recommend fixes for anything wrong that they find, and a short time later, do a follow up to assure any deficiencies have been fixed, Shinavier said.

 

The review will cover the edge, (where the county IT system meets the rest of the information network), the county’s network and the system’s security and access management.

The audit is held for two reasons, Shinavier said: To meet the county’s policy of regular independent security audits and compliance with the new Michigan State Office of Child Support Independent Security Audit requirements.

 

The commission also recommended a bid from Environmental Systems Solutions (ESS) in Ada to provide HVAC maintenance services for three years for $25,870 per year. Tim Neeb, building and grounds supervisor, said ESS was the low bidder of eight bids received.

 

The contract covers the Barry County Courthouse, Annex, Courts and Law Building, Friend of the Court, Tyden Center, Barry Eaton District Health Department, Animal Shelter, COA, Sheriff’s Office/Jail, and Central Dispatch. Funding comes from the budgets of building and grounds, the sheriff’s office, COA, BEDHD and Central Dispatch.

 

Two appointments to county boards were recommended: Cindy Vujea to the Barry County Parks and Recreation Board representing the Barry County Economic Development Alliance for the remainder of a three year term and to reappoint Patti Richardson to the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board for a one year term representing the Barry County Humane Society.

Commissioners are expected to act on the recommendations at its next meeting.