Finding 1181618 (2025-001)

Significant Deficiency Criteria: In accordance with the Division of Social Services Fiscal Manual, DSS employees should control physical access to the state network terminals or personal computers that are connected to the state mainframe. Condition: Upon surprise inspection, one unattended workstation of a DSS employee was logged onto the state network, without anyone attending to the workstation. Context: While performing testing of internal control over compliance related to the Division of Social Services, we noted the above condition. Effect: Unauthorized access to the state system could be obtained due to the unattended logon to the system throughout the DSS building. Cause: Lack of proper internal controls over data security Indication of a Repeat Finding: This is a modified and repeated finding from the immediate previous audit, 2024-001. Questioned Costs: None. The finding represents an internal control issue; therefore, no questioned costs are applicable. Recommendation: Require the County Data Processing Department to implement procedures to require logout of workstations where access to the state DSS system is granted. The control procedures should include random verification of logout in instances where offices are unattended. View of Responsible Officials and Planned Corrective Actions: See Corrective Action Plan submitted with this report.