County invests in advanced cybersecurity to thwart future attacks

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed plans to enhance cybersecurity measures following a significant cyber attack that highlighted vulnerabilities in their existing infrastructure. The proposed upgrades include the acquisition of advanced data protection systems aimed at improving recovery times and safeguarding sensitive information.

Key among the initiatives is the replacement of the current backup system with a more robust solution, which is expected to significantly reduce recovery time from the current average of twelve days. Officials emphasized the importance of these upgrades in preparing for future cyber threats.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need to strengthen security around the SharePoint Microsoft 365 environment. The county plans to transition away from traditional file servers, which have been identified as potential vulnerabilities, and instead utilize the Microsoft 365 cloud for better protection. This shift will facilitate business continuity, allowing employees to access essential files remotely in the event of network disruptions or physical issues at county facilities.

To support these transitions, the county will seek professional services to assist in the implementation of the new cloud-based security measures, as current staff lacks the necessary expertise.

Lastly, discussions included the Central Square system, which encompasses computer-aided dispatch and jail management. To accommodate access for external police departments while minimizing risks, officials proposed establishing a separate network security layer and access point for these systems, ensuring that external traffic does not compromise the internal Jackson County network.

These initiatives reflect a proactive approach to cybersecurity, aiming to bolster defenses and ensure the integrity of critical systems in the face of evolving threats.