From: Ylvisaker, Jeff <Jeff.Ylvisaker@legis.wisconsin.gov>
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2023 3:32 PM
To: *Legislative Everyone <LegEveryone@legis.wisconsin.gov>
Subject: Comments about Blocked Websites
Good Afternoon,
LTSB uses sophisticated cybersecurity technologies to protect the Wisconsin Legislature. This includes firewall technology that relies on a third-party website categorization service. Website categories that are widely considered malicious (such as Phishing and Malware) are blocked by the firewall. These technologies are very good, but they are not perfect. Every once in a while a website is miscategorized.
When LTSB learns that a particular website has been blocked, we can inspect it to see if the categorization seems accurate. If we believe the categorization was inaccurate, we can request that the third-party re-evaluate the website category.
Earlier this week, the website for the Wausau Pilot & Review was classified as ‘phishing’ by the website categorization service. Upon a manual review of the website, LTSB assessed that this categorization was in error and reached out to the provider to request reclassification. As a result, the provider reclassified the website as ‘news’ and the website is now accessible inside the Legislature once again.
If you encounter a blocked website, please reach out to LTSB so we can review the website and determine the cause of the block.
Thank you,
Jeff Ylvisaker
Director
Legislative Technology Services Bureau
Wisconsin Legislature
