EGLE tightens virtual meeting controls after previous meeting 'takeover'
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Summary
EGLE staff apologized for a disruptive takeover at the prior meeting, said DTMB cybersecurity investigators were unable to identify perpetrators, and described new controls — waiting room admission, camera/mic restrictions and a one‑week request window for public links — to protect future COG meetings.
Brad Pregratis, division director in the information management division and agency security officer for the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), apologized for a "takeover" at a previous Community of Government (COG) meeting and outlined new security measures on Feb. 27. He said state cybersecurity staff in the Department of Technology, Management and Budget investigated but could not identify the individuals involved.
"I do, again, wanna apologize for, kind of the situation and the, the takeover that occurred last meeting," Pregratis said, explaining the investigation and the recommended changes.
Pregratis and meeting organizers described restricting microphone and camera use so that only admitted, known users have active audio/video; outside attendees will be placed in a waiting room and admitted only by organizers. The department will also block third‑party AI 'note taker' bots and said existing recordings and transcripts will continue to provide accessibility and transparency.
Members asked whether platform choice (Teams vs. Zoom) affected controls; Pregratis said Michigan's standard is Teams and that the same security principles apply. He urged attendees to follow "cyber hygiene" practices such as strong passwords and multifactor authentication.
Kelly (meeting facilitator) told members she will require nonmember attendees to request a meeting link at least one week in advance so staff can perform a basic vetting check, though she said the deadline may be adjusted in practice. Several members recommended additional checks — a short video interview, sponsor referrals, or postcard verification — to confirm legitimacy before granting membership.
Meeting participants emphasized balancing openness and safety: they supported continuing to make meetings accessible while tightening admission controls to prevent repeat disruptions. Organizers said they will keep members informed of any further changes.
The COG did not take a formal vote on changing the group's public‑access policy during this meeting; organizers said they will implement the described safeguards and follow up with members as needed.