Montana

Filling cybersecurity and IT positions is, for many governments, a long-standing challenge. At NASCIO, Montana CIO Kevin Gilbertson explains his state’s successful strategy of hiring and training up applicants from other government agencies.

Major IT modernizations are underway, but strict budgets and rising software prices can mean a greater role for the CIO in vendor negotiations. At the NASCIO 2024 Annual Conference, Montana CIO Kevin Gilbertson discussed working with companies of varying sizes.

Officials in the consolidated city-county of Butte-Silver Bow are investigating issues that led to a recount after the June 4 primary. Computer software safeguards are among potential corrective measures, the county clerk and recorder said.

With $6.5 million from the U.S. Department of Defense, Montana Technological University will create an online mining and engineering curriculum to address workforce development needs.

States are investing in ways to incorporate the end user's experience into digital services, looking at how people truly use platforms and how to improve them. Some say it’s what government should have been doing all along.

Former CTO Matt Van Syckle has taken a new job with private-sector firm KWR Strategies LLC. An interim CTO has been named as the state looks to fill the role.

Partnership with ImpactEd for professional development software is the latest step in Montana’s ongoing plan to address low math and reading scores for elementary and middle school students.

The redesigned platform — believed to be the first of its kind at launch — enhances how residents, businesses and governments can access and view statewide land ownership data. Mobile performance and print functions are also improved.

Lewis and Clark County commissioners have approved seeking a federal grant to replace courthouse cameras not compliant with the National Defense Authorization Act. The devices are considered susceptible to online attacks.

Montana State University will spend a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation on major upgrades to computer systems used for research in quantum science, large data analysis and artificial intelligence.

Montana University System’s partnership with Instructure will reach all 11 higher education institutions by fall 2025, covering 147,000 square miles and 40,000 students.

Blackfoot Communications, based in Missoula, recently announced the completion of a six-year project to install over 380 miles of fiber-optic cable on the Flathead Reservation in the St. Ignatius area.

As Montana searches for a new CISO, the man leaving the position, Andy Hanks, will be working to improve the cybersecurity of small government agencies nationwide.

Energy-hungry cryptocurrency mining operations have caught the attention of state and federal lawmakers. While some welcome the operations, others are taking a more critical look at what they bring to the table.

Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill this week stiffening penalties for drone operators that interfere with aerial wildfire suppression efforts. Violators could face a criminal misdemeanor, up to 6 months in jail and hefty civil fines.

TikTok Inc.'s popular video app is facing its first statewide ban in the U.S. after Montana’s governor signed a measure Wednesday that will prohibit its download by the general public beginning next year.

To get the next generation of IT talent into government, Montana CISO Andy Hanks wants candidates to think of state IT work as a great way to bookend a career in technology.

Montana has replaced the old bubble sheets with an online version of the ACT, which students may take on school-approved devices under supervision, allowing for greater flexibility with scheduling.