Iowa

When it comes to what IT functions can be contracted out, Iowa CIO Matt Behrens said it’s important that his office “not outsource our brains” and make sure that decision-making stays in-house.

About half of Iowa’s K-12 schools are connected to the Safe + Sound anonymous tip line that became available March 21. Dispatchers are trained to address non-emergency concerns with the appropriate level of urgency.

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird said there is potential for nefarious actors to use artificial intelligence to fool their victims, pointing to several recent examples of the technology being misused.

Iowa's public universities are issuing guidance, forming committees, crafting assignments and churning out research on how best to take advantage of ChatGPT and how to guard against its limitations and potential harms.

Online public hearings hosted through Zoom are being disrupted by participants posting inappropriate images and symbols. The incidents are forcing officials to rethink the use of the popular meeting platform.

The Central Rivers Area Education Agency convened superintendents, IT specialists, business managers and public relations staff to discuss ways to prepare for cyber attacks against K-12 school districts.

The Iowa Department of Transportation has delayed the launch of digital ID to make security improvements to its mobile ID app. The agency will be bringing the app in line with national and international standards, officials say.

An apparent cybersecurity breach has caused Iowa PBS to cancel the remainder of its annual fall fundraising pledge drive, with a spokesman confirming the problems resulting from the issue this week.

In partnership with the state's community colleges, UNI this fall will offer an online bachelor's program to students who have completed associate's degrees but cannot afford or attend the university's in-person courses.

Matt Behrens is now Iowa's permanent CIO, the state announced July 8. His prior experience includes serving as the deputy CIO, chief technology officer and several other state department roles.

An influx of federal funding for high-speed Internet has created an opportunity in Iowa that must be met, agriculture and business leaders in Iowa said during a roundtable discussion with the federal commerce department.