RALEIGH, NC — Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order banning the use of apps and websites like TikTok, WeChat and other systems that could pose a cybersecurity risk on government devices.
What you need to know
- Governor Roy Cooper signs executive order banning use of certain apps and websites on government devices
- The order directs the state’s chief information officer (CIO) and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) to develop a policy that prohibits the use of TikTok, WeChat and other apps within 14 days.
- NCDIT’s policy may be updated in the future as government cybersecurity experts identify additional high-risk apps and websites
The order directs Jim Weaver, the state’s chief information officer (CIO), and the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) to develop a policy within 14 days.
“It is important to us to protect government information technology from foreign countries that have actively engaged in cyber attacks against the United States,” Cooper said. “Defending North Carolina against cyber threats is vital to the safety, security, privacy and success of our state and its people.”
Cybersecurity professionals have identified TikTok and WeChat as high-risk apps due to a lack of adequate privacy controls and ties to countries that sponsor or support cyberattacks against the United States.
Several government systems and several branches of the US Armed Forces, the Transportation Security Administration and other states have already banned TikTok, WeChat and other applications from federal and state government information technology.
Related: US House of Representatives, states tighten bans on TikTok on government devices
“NCDIT’s top priority is the security and protection of government IT systems, data and assets,” NCDIT said.
“Gov. Cooper’s executive order is critical to this critical work,” Weaver said.
To read more about the order, Click here.
Governor Cooper signs the executive order
Source link Governor Cooper signs the executive order