A new state audit shows there are still concerns about the security of the University of Wisconsin’s payroll and benefits system. The report from the Legislative Audit Bureau says the system implemented in 2011 remains at risk for security breaches, which could result in unauthorized payments being made.
State Representative Samantha Kerkman (R-Powers Lake), who co-chairs the Legislature’s audit committee, says the findings also concern her because of the large amount of personal information about UW employees stored in the system. With recent high profile data breaches reported by major businesses, she says “it just reinforces the need to be diligent.”
Kerkman says continued oversight of the system is needed to limit the security risks and to make sure UW employees are being paid accurately.
The payroll and benefits system came under fire last year after it was found errors resulted in about $33 million in over-payments. UW officials have promised they are working to address the issues that caused the problem and remain committed to improving the system.
