security - WKTV Journal

Now available to download for free is the Michigan Secure app. (WKTV)

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

There are no bells or whistles or even alarms; just a simple text message to your phone as you walk into the store: “CAUTION: The Unknown network you are connected to is not encrypted. Please avoid any private or confidential transactions unless using secure Websites…”

The message comes from a free app, called Michigan Secure, which is designed to help Michigan residents navigate an increasingly technology-based world.

“Much of the activity that people do is online,” said the state’s Director of Communications Caleb Buhs. “Students taking classes to people making purchases.”

With the growing use of technology comes a high risk of people’s personal information getting stolen through threats, such as unsecured internet access, that most people don’t even realize are out there.

“It is designed to make people aware,” Buhs said. “If you are at the gym and suddenly decide to make a purchase for new equipment or clothing, the alert will come up that the internet is not secure. Maybe that is not the time to make that purchase.”

Developed by the Michigan’s Department of Technology, Management and Budget, the department in charge of keeping highly sensitive public information protected, the project was started two years ago because of the increase in cybersecurity crimes against both individuals and companies.

Many are familiar with the SolarWinds data breach, one of the largest data hacks in U.S. history, that resulted in more than 18,000 computer networks being sabotaged. There are also the everyday reminders of not to open emails from the IRS or Social Security as neither would contact people in such a way. According to Pew Research, more than 60 percent of Ameicans have personally experienced a major data breach. The cost of the average data breach to a U.S. company is around $8 million.

Buhs said with the recent pandemic, which forced many into remote work and classrooms, the risk of cyber attacks become even higher. In fact, because of the growing use of technology by municipalities and schools, institutions are facing more malicious cyber attacks. Just this March, a cyber attack on Microsoft focused on vulnerabilities in its exchange service, email software, and calendar resulting in 30,000 organizations getting hacked. More recently, college students across the nation are being warned about a phishing attack to steal students personal information to file false tax claims.

The message that appears when your phone connects to an unsecured Wi-Fi network. (WKTV)

The Michigan Secure app is designed to detect phishing risks by checking links. It also will alert a user to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, check apps before they are downloaded, and when a system has been tampered with. Michigan Secure even has a database of potential threat indicators to notify individuals of activity on their phone that matches a documented threat. Everything is designed for the user to determine what they want and do not want to use.

The Michigan Secure app is a free download from App Store or Google Play. The app runs on devices with iOS 11 or higher, Android 6.0 or higher and Chromebooks with Android App Support.

“While the security of our mobile devices is critical, it is also important to respect people’s privacy,” DTMB Director and State Chief Information Officer Brom Stibitz said. “Michigan Secure does not require anyone to share their personal information or mobile data. It exists for the sole purpose of detecting threats and notifying the user.”

The Michigan Secure app does not collect, store, or monitor the personal information of users that download it. The app’s code and privacy configuration settings have received the approval of the American Civil Liberties Union for the way it protects individual privacy.

Within only a few days of release, which was earlier this year, the app had more than 1,000 downloads and interest continues to build. Buhs said he believes Michigan is the first state to offer such an app with only the City of New York having something similar.

For more information about the app, visit Michigan.gov/MichiganSecureApp. Visit the Michigan Cybersecurity website at Michigan.gov/Cybersecurity for information ranging from how to practice proper cyber “hygiene” to learning about what to do if you are a victim of a cybercrime.

Gerald-R-Ford-International-Airport — Pretty darn snazzy, but not just a pretty face

By Victoria Mullen
victoria@wktv.org

You probably don’t give it a second thought—until you need it, that is. Nonetheless, it bustles about its business, transporting travelers to and from myriad destinations with first-class services and amenities. Over the years, it has been revamped, remodeled and reconstructed. Today, it bears absolutely no resemblance to its humble beginnings.

All these improvements have not gone unnoticed—or unrecognized—in an industry that’s fraught with cut-throat competition.

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) has achieved the first-place ranking in the “Best Airports by Size and Region-North America” (2-5 million passengers per year) category, and tied for second place ranking in the “Best Airport by Region – North America” (all airports over two million passengers per year) category as a part of ACI’s 2015 Airport Service Quality (ASQ) Awards. These awards are granted by the Airports Council International (ACI) each year.

1963 GFIA — Kent County Airport (n/k/a Gerald R. Ford International Airport) circa 1963

Maybe you don’t think it’s any big deal, but it really is. The ACI ASQ program is unique as the airport industry’s only global bench-marking program measuring passenger satisfaction in real time while passengers are at the airport. Implemented at over 300 airports worldwide, the ASQ Program delivers an in-depth assessment of the quality of the customer service experience, covering 34 key service areas such as access, parking, check-in, security, airport facilities, food and beverage, and more.ervice areas such as access, parking, check-in, security, airport facilities, food and beverage, and more.

“Customer service is a top priority for our entire team at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport and we are thrilled to be recognized as the top performer of our size in North America,” said GFIA Executive Director Brian Ryks. “We’re dedicated to ensuring continued progress in this area as we make significant investments in personnel, services, and facilities focused on providing a first-class experience from the vehicle curb to the aircraft gate. We are working to improve the passenger experience every day, and this award reflects that effort.”

“We see ever-greater competition among airports, and with it increasing pressure to optimize performance across the operation, especially when it comes to the passenger experience,” said ACI Director General, Angela Gittens. About GIF’s high marks, she said, “Your airport’s results in the 2015 ASQ Survey demonstrate your professionalism, commitment, and success in delivering that high level of customer service. Your airport is a credit to our industry and I thank you and your team for this splendid achievement.”

GFIA today — My, how things have changed

GFIA has continued to improve the customer experience from adding concession updates, complimentary, faster Wi-Fi, airport ambassadors, a therapy dog program, updated parking and valet services, new skycap services, and more. The airport has recently commenced its $45 million Gateway Transformation Project to consolidate security screening, update restrooms, new flooring, lighting, business centers, retail and food and beverage space.

“We are thankful for all of the tenants and stakeholders who are the front-line service providers behind this award,” said Ryks. “From the airlines to our parking services, law enforcement, and curb front security, to TSA and airport ambassadors – they do a tremendous job day-in and day-out to ensure the passengers have a quality experience at our airport. We are planning a celebration to thank and recognize these employees for their efforts.”

So, next time you visit GFIA, tip your hat–or mittens–to the men and women who strive to provide us with the best possible service.

For more information on ASQ, please go here. To view details of the 2015 ASQ results, please go here.