Concerns Mount Over Cybersecurity Threats
“We are contending with formidable adversaries,” remarked Waldman. “China, North Korea, Iran, and Russia epitomize the threats we face on a quotidian basis. This is an ongoing endeavor.”
Brandon Saurber, the Executive Director of Strategy and Information for Hamilton, indicated that cybersecurity remains a significant focus for the council.
“We collaborate with Secure Cyber nearly every day,” Saurber noted. “They assist us with detecting threats, conducting monitoring, performing risk assessments, providing employee training, and developing incident response strategies, ensuring we are prepared for any eventuality.”
In 2019, Hamilton engaged Secure Cyber following a “minor incident,” Saurber explained. Though this event resulted in no significant consequences or costs, officials opted to mitigate risks by partnering with the Moraine-based company.
While Hamilton has avoided incidents since, a requirement for reporting was instituted following the passage of House Bill 96 this summer. Other municipalities, however, have not been as fortunate.
Middletown is still reeling from an incident in August that disrupted staff communications, access to records, and telephonic services. The city incurred expenses of $295,000 to upgrade technology post-event, according to the Journal-News.
“In the wake of the recent cybersecurity breach, we have undertaken measures and will persist in enhancing security to avert a recurrence,” stated city spokesman Clayton Castle.
Middletown has engaged various third-party entities to aid in restoring network functions, along with ongoing threat surveillance and additional security provisions.
Last month, the Liberty Township Board of Trustees enacted a cybersecurity policy that “formalized lessons learned from the May cyber incident, providing a proactive strategy for the Township’s security posture,” remarked Caroline McKinney, Liberty Township administrator.
Following the May event, the township enlisted a local service provider to modernize its aging network infrastructure, enhance email security through advanced AI software, and implement multifactor authentication for account protection.
McKinney added that township officials convene quarterly with technology providers to review current technology and security trends.
West Chester Township experienced two cyber incidents this year; spokesperson Brianna Wooten characterized the occurrences as a two-phase intrusion.
“It was the same group, rendering it more akin to a combined incident,” she explained.
The township restored technology in phases, “reintegrating only those components they could verify as safe,” Wooten elaborated.
“Our IT team executed a commendable job during the crisis, expediting recovery while securing our network to preempt further breaches,” Wooten stated.
House Bill 96, Ohio’s primary operating budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, mandates local governments to adopt a cybersecurity program, inclusive of a formal policy. These stipulations aim to “ensure availability, confidentiality, and integrity,” as outlined in the legislation.
“Cybersecurity must originate from leadership; without this commitment, it is challenging to integrate cybersecurity throughout an organization,” Waldman emphasized. “It is not a one-time endeavor but a sustained effort.”
Source link: Journal-news.com.
