Latest news with #IndianaOfficeofTechnology
Indianapolis Star
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Phishing scam uses public's right to information to target state and local governments
Hoosiers can request a broad range of information from their local and state governments, such as police reports, contracts, policies and email communications. A recent phishing attack is twisting that right to information into a means to scam state and local government workers. Employees have reported that a recent surge of emails are posing as public records requests and encouraging records to be uploaded to a hyperlink. The Indiana Office of Technology is aware of the emails and has found them to be fraudulent, according to one of its email newsletters. Spokesperson Aliya Wishner said the city of Indianapolis' information services agency is aware of the phishing scam. The city uses a software system to fulfill records requests, not through email. One of the phishing emails obtained by IndyStar was sent from the domain "@recordsretrievalsolutions" and sought five years of information about an agency's purchase orders. Indiana's technology office said employees should be cautious with any emails from that domain and any contacts from Records Retrieval Solutions. The office said the scammers are pretending to be the Florida-based company. In light of the phishing scam, the office recommends that workers question whether a records requests is legitimate. Guidance includes contacting the sender to discuss the request, verifying the entity that's making the request, and searching the email text for red flags like hyperlinks. Under Indiana's Access to Public Records Act, members of the public have the right to request a wide swath of information held by government agencies. Some information may be withheld or redacted for legal or investigation reasons. The USA TODAY Network - Indiana's coverage of First Amendment issues is funded through a collaboration between the Freedom Forum and Journalism Funding Partners.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meet ‘Ask Indiana,' state government's new AI chatbot
Indiana's new AI chatbot answers questions about state government. (Screenshot of Indiana government has a new digital front door with the redesigned website. The homepage now features an AI chatbot, 'Ask Indiana,' where residents can ask questions and get real-time answers 24/7. Want to know when the Bureau of Motor Vehicles is open? 'Ask Indiana' has the answer: 'Indiana BMV branch hours can vary by location, but most branches are open Tuesday through Saturday. Many branches are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Typical hours are: Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM Wednesday–Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM' The Indiana Office of Technology launched the redesign last week as part of an ongoing web maintenance contract with Tyler Technologies, a software and services company assisting government and schools. Indiana Office of Technology Director of Communications and External Affairs Graig Lubsen said the agency began the redesign in December and included the new features after obtaining user input through a survey. The redesign also features additional accessibility settings such as light/dark themes and font size adjustments to make the website more user friendly. Lubsen said 'Ask Indiana' was created to modernize how residents can interact with state services. It uses generative AI and natural language processing to break down government agency 'silos' and respond in real time. Its the latest foray of state government into the world of AI. The state entered into a four-year, $22 million contract with Tyler Indiana in October 2024. Tyler provides services to maintain and operate the state web portal. According to Lubsen one of its many deliverables in the contract was to focus on redesigning the homepage and agency templates every other year. 'Ask Indiana' can be found in the top right corner of the homepage. When opening the chatbot, users can find the seven point terms and conditions. Here it includes that the AI Resident Assistant may not always be correct or up to date, and it may limit the service's ability to respond to particular requests such as personal information or sensitive topics or current events. The chat often includes links to state webpages with more information. We asked the chatbot a few questions, and even stumped it once: What is the most unique thing about Indiana? 'Indiana is unique for several reasons, but one of the most distinctive features is its nickname, 'The Crossroads of America.' Indiana has more miles of interstate highway per square mile than any other state, making it a major hub for transportation and commerce. This is reflected in the state motto, adopted in 1937, and highlights Indiana's central role in connecting different parts of the country.' How can I get an Indiana drivers license? 'To get an Indiana driver's license, follow these steps: Obtain a Learner's Permit (if required): You must be at least 15 years old and enrolled in a driver education program, or 16 years old without driver education. Pass a vision screening and a knowledge exam. Provide documents proving your identity, Social Security number, lawful status, and Indiana residency. Complete Supervised Driving (if under 18): Hold your learner's permit for at least 180 days. Complete 50 hours of supervised driving (10 hours at night). Apply for a Driver's License: If under 21, you'll receive a probationary license. Pass a driving skills test. Provide required documents and, if under 18, a parent or guardian must sign a financial liability agreement. For New Indiana Residents: You have 60 days to obtain an Indiana license after moving. Surrender your out-of-state license and provide required documents. Pass a vision screening (and possibly a knowledge/driving test if your license is expired). Visit a BMV Branch Bring all required documents and complete the application process in person. What is Indiana's Black history? Indiana's Black history is rich and complex, beginning in the 1700s and continuing through today. Here are some key highlights: Early Settlement and Slavery: The first record of African Americans in Indiana dates to 1746, when enslaved people lived in Vincennes. Although the 1787 Northwest Ordinance banned slavery, some early settlers brought enslaved people with them. Indiana's 1816 Constitution officially prohibited slavery, but Black residents still faced many restrictions and discrimination. Black Communities: By the mid-1800s, more than 30 Black farming communities were established, especially in central and southern Indiana. Notable settlements include Lyles Station (Gibson County), Beech (Rush County), and Roberts Settlement (Hamilton County). Many of these communities built their own schools, churches, and social organizations. Legal Barriers: The 1851 Indiana Constitution included Article XIII, which barred new Black residents from settling in the state. Black Hoosiers were also denied voting rights, could not serve in the militia, and faced other legal restrictions. Civil Rights and Achievements: Despite challenges, Black Hoosiers made significant contributions. James Sidney Hinton became the first African American to serve in the Indiana State Legislature. The 28th Regiment United States Colored Troops, organized in Indiana, fought in the Civil War. Cultural Impact: Indiana Avenue in Indianapolis became a center for Black culture, music, and business in the 20th century. Madam C.J. Walker, a famous entrepreneur, established her business headquarters there. Modern Recognition: Today, Indiana celebrates Black History Month and works to preserve historic Black sites and cemeteries. Organizations and museums highlight the achievements and struggles of Black Hoosiers. Can my employer ask if I am pregnant? I'm sorry, but I cannot provide information on this topic. Please visit Indiana's official website for state government policies and programs. How much does Indiana spend on medicaid? As of May 2024, Indiana's Medicaid expenditures for the current state fiscal year (July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024) total approximately $18.16 billion. Of this amount, about 71% comes from federal funds, and around 21% is funded by the state's general fund. The remainder is covered by intergovernmental transfers, provider taxes, and other sources. For the previous fiscal year (2023), Indiana's total Medicaid spending was about $17.9 billion. These figures include all Medicaid programs and services provided to eligible Indiana residents. For more detailed and updated financial reports, you can visit the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration's Medicaid financial reports page. What does Indiana spend the most money on? Indiana spends the most money on education. According to the State of Indiana's 2024 Financial Report and the official state budget, education is the largest category of state spending. This includes funding for K-12 schools, higher education (colleges and universities), and related educational programs. Here's a breakdown of Indiana's major spending categories for Fiscal Year 2024: Education: Over $13 billion (largest single category) Health & Welfare: Includes Medicaid, public health, and social services, totaling over $7 billion Public Safety & Transportation: Includes corrections, state police, and the Department of Transportation General Administration: Covers the operation of state government agencies Other: Includes natural resources, environmental management, and state parks Education consistently receives the highest portion of Indiana's budget, reflecting the state's commitment to funding schools and universities.
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Hackers may have misused US government's email alert system to send scam messages
Representative image Hackers have reportedly misused a US federal and state government department's email notification system to send scam messages . This system, which is used to alert residents to important information, has been exploited by cybercriminals, a report claims. According to a report by TechCrunch, the US state of Indiana has said that it is "aware of fraudulent messages purportedly sent by state agencies" concerning unpaid tolls. The report also claims to have reviewed an example of a scam email sent from an Indiana government department. This email claimed the recipient had an outstanding toll balance and contained a disguised link redirecting to a malicious site. The Indiana Office of Technology issued a statement saying they are "working with the company that was used to deliver those messages to stop any further communication.' The state suggested that a contractor's account was compromised and used to distribute the scam messages. However, Indiana clarified that it was not aware of "any current state systems" being compromised but did not exclude the possibility of a prior breach. The statement also revealed that the contract with the unnamed company, which ended in December 2024, "did not remove the state's account." The company was later identified as government tech major Granicus by TechCrunch. What Granicus said about hackers misusing the govt email alert system In a statement to TechCrunch, Granicus spokesperson Sharon Rushen said: 'We are aware of the recent malicious emails sent via GovDelivery from Indiana's government domain.' The company acknowledged that the breach resulted from a compromised user account but dismissed Indiana's allegations. 'Granicus systems themselves were not breached,' said Rushen. The company also confirmed that it has the technical means to determine how many individuals received the malicious emails, but has yet to disclose that figure. How scammers used to email alert system to trap users In January, the Federal Trade Commission identified a practice where scammers were increasingly sending fake toll notices by text and email. These cybercriminals target official government mailing systems to make their messages appear legitimate. In one case shared with TechCrunch, a phishing email claiming unpaid Texas tolls was sent from an Indiana Emergency Operations Center address. It warned of penalties or vehicle registration holds and included a link disguised as a URL, which redirected to a fraudulent TxTag site. This fake site stole personal details, including name, address, phone number and credit card information. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Former Indiana contractor hacked, sends scam toll messages from state accounts
Scam messages purportedly sent by state accounts flooded Hoosier inboxes Tuesday. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Fraudulent messages purportedly sent by state agencies about collecting tolls are 'scams,' the Indiana Office of Technology confirmed Tuesday. The office cautioned Hoosiers to 'not click on any of the links,' noting that Indiana 'does not send unpaid toll notifications via text or email messages.' 'A (former) contractor's account was hacked and used to send those messages,' the office added. Each scam message says it was sent 'using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of' numerous state agencies. Some of the messages came purportedly from former Gov. Eric Holcomb. Indiana previously used the platform, offered by Colorado-based Granicus, to manage digital communications with constituents. The contract for those services ended December 31 — but Indiana's account wasn't removed, according to IOT. The office said it's 'working with' the company 'to stop any further communications.' Agencies like the Department of Revenue and Alcohol & Tobacco Commission also warned subscribers on Tuesday to 'ignore and delete' the spam messages, and apologized for the inconvenience. Indiana has since switched over to products from California-based Salesforce.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Did you get an email from an Indiana government agency about unpaid tolls? It's a scam.
A former email provider for the State of Indiana has been hacked and is sending fraudulent toll road scam emails, the Indiana Office of Technology confirmed in a statement on the morning of May 13. "The Indiana Office of Technology (IOT) is aware of fraudulent messages purportedly sent by state agencies about collecting tolls," the statement said. "These messages are scams, and users should not click on any of the links." Here's what we know. No, you will never receive unpaid toll notifications via text or email you received an email from what appears to be a legitimate government office asking for unpaid toll information, the Indiana Office of Technology urges you to avoid clicking on any of the links. The newest Indiana toll scam emails may look like they are being sent from a legitimate Indiana government agency including: Indiana Department of Correction Indiana Department of Child Services Indiana Department of Natural Resources Indiana Emergency Operations Center Indiana Department of Transportation Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Indiana Arts Commission The email address may also look legitimate. For example, a fraudulent email from the Family and Social Services Administration was sent from the email address fssa@ It was once an email the department used through another company, but service has since been discontinued. The account with access to these former government email addresses has been hacked, the Indiana Office of Technology said. "The State of Indiana's contract with this company ended on 12/31/24, but they did not remove the State's account," the statement said. "A contractor's account was hacked and used to send those messages." This is why they appear to be from legitimate email addresses for government offices, but are indeed fraudulent. More on toll road scams: The Indiana Toll Road won't text you to collect payment. Don't fall for the latest smishing scheme The subject line will read some variation of "TxTag Account Suspension Warning." In the body of the message, it will say something along the lines of "You have unpaid toll fees. Failure to pay may result in penalties" and include a link to pay. It is crucial that you do not click the link or provide your payment information. The email is signed off by "TxTag Customer Service," which helps you identify that the email is not actually from the department it claims to be. You will never receive unpaid toll notifications via text or email messages in the state of Indiana. Especially not from the Department of Natural Resources or Child Services. No; the state of Indiana does not send unpaid toll notifications via text or email messages. At the time of publication, the Indiana Office of Technology is not aware of any current state systems being compromised. More on toll road scams: Indianapolis is one of the top cities receiving toll road scam texts in the United States Katie Wiseman covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Contact her at klwiseman@ Follow her on Bluesky @katiewiseman. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Will government offices email me about unpaid tolls? No, they are a scam
