State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings
(The Center Square) – As his agency works to correct compliance findings by the state’s auditor general, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly says Firearm Owner’s Identification Card backlogs have been eliminated and processing times have improved.
Kelly appeared before the Legislative Audit Commission and addressed findings that his department did not comply with FOID Act requirements.
Courtney Dzierwa of the Auditor General’s Office said renewal fees were deposited into the wrong fund, and ISP was late to provide notification of expiring cards in some cases.
“We recommended the department ensure notifications to FOID card holders are sent in a timely manner and ensure fees are deposited in accordance with the act,” Dzierwa said.
Kelly said the FOID system has been modernized and the backlog has been eliminated.
“The average processing time now for a new FOID card is 14 days, and that’s well below the statutory limitation,” Kelly said.
Dzierwa said the auditor’s most recent examination had 32 findings, but no new material weaknesses and an overall reduction of weaknesses.
State Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, expressed concern about an audit finding that ISP did not maintain adequate security controls over computer systems to safeguard confidential information.
“That’s a big red flag for me, so I’d like you to talk to me about what you’ve done to remediate,” Ellman said.
Kelly said ISP uses software from 35 different vendors.
“We’re pretty close to having all the vendors now meeting the requirements we expect from all of them in terms of their cyber security requirements, the agreements that they have in order to do business with the Illinois State Police,” Kelly said.
Kelly said his office has been more aggressive in training workers to not respond to phishing emails.
“It’s concerning that you see smart, intelligent people that will click on something that they shouldn’t,” Kelly said.
###
Mostly Sunny
Latest News Stories
Mass shooting at Stockton results in four killed, 11 injured
Bill on Pritzker’s desk enhances Illinois’ migrant sanctuary policies
Warriors hold off host Pirates to reach title game
Legislator critical of criminal justice policies amid Chicago robberies
Six Texas Republicans leaving Congress, finishing out terms next year
WATCH: Johnson responds to Trump; Migrant rental assistance urged; Credit card oversight
Illinois quick hits: Cyber Monday security tips; expecting mother discharge legislation
Everyday Economics: A consumer slowdown, fraying margins, and a big test for the Fed
Casey Residents See 5 Inches of Snow; More Accumulation Forecast for Tuesday
Watchdog: Donations to liberal causes will continue despite Arabella’s rebrand
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Lake Land College Board of Trustees for October 2025
Illinois rejects federal ‘no tax on tips’ rule, keeps state tax on tipped income
