In a recent government meeting, cybersecurity emerged as the central theme of the IT budget discussions, highlighting the increasing prevalence of cyber attacks on organizations of all sizes. The city’s IT strategy is shifting towards cloud-based solutions, specifically the migration to Microsoft Office 365, which is expected to enhance the reliability of critical email systems while also introducing cost reductions.

The IT department is implementing a multi-layered cybersecurity approach to mitigate risks associated with potential attacks. This strategy includes the use of advanced tools like Crowdstrike, which has proven effective in thwarting recent cyber threats. Notably, the city reported three cyber incidents this year, all of which were successfully intercepted without any financial loss, underscoring the effectiveness of their cybersecurity measures.

Additionally, the meeting addressed compliance with the Florida Cybersecurity Act, which mandates that by January 1, 2025, the city must establish incident response policies, conduct cybersecurity training for all employees, and adhere to the federal NIST cybersecurity framework. This new legislation will require significant adjustments to the city’s cybersecurity protocols and budget allocations.

The discussions also touched on the importance of ongoing training for city staff to recognize and avoid phishing attempts, emphasizing that cybersecurity is a collective responsibility that extends to all employees, including city commissioners. The meeting concluded with commendations for the IT team’s proactive measures and the need for continued vigilance in the face of evolving cyber threats.