(AP) -- State officials say a three-year effort to evaluate and upgrade computer security systems at state agencies should begin in March.
Budget and Control Board director Marcia Adams said Tuesday the not-yet-hired contractor will be asked to start with three agencies and issue recommendations by May 1 that include cost estimates. The report would come in time for budget discussions in the Senate.
Adams says her agency is collecting proposals and hopes to hire a contractor by March 3.
That will be nearly six months after a cyber-thief stole the personal data of millions of taxpayers from Department of Revenue computer servers. The state hired Mandiant to immediately address the issues at that agency.
Gov. Nikki Haley says the consultant is needed to help officials upgrade data security across state government.
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