City's digital fortress under siege as cyber threats rise

During a recent city council meeting, officials praised the efforts of the clerk's department for their successful management of elections and other civic duties, including the handling of death records and cemetery operations. Council members expressed their appreciation for the department's work, highlighting the importance of accurate mapping for cemetery management as a significant achievement this year.

Rochelle Lyon, a representative from the city's Management Information Systems (MIS) team, presented a compelling case for increased investment in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as part of the 2025 budget. Lyon emphasized the critical role of MIS in safeguarding the city's digital infrastructure, likening it to a castle that requires robust defenses against evolving cyber threats.

She provided alarming statistics on the prevalence of cyber breaches affecting government entities, noting that nearly 1,300 incidents had compromised over 201 million records, costing approximately $30.4 billion. Lyon pointed out that cities were particularly vulnerable, with 237 breaches reported, representing 24% of all government incidents.

The MIS team, with a combined 72 years of experience, is committed to enhancing the city's digital defenses. Lyon's presentation underscored the necessity of advanced cybersecurity measures and training to protect vital city data and services from potential disruptions caused by cyberattacks. The proposed budget aims to allocate necessary funds to bolster these defenses, ensuring the city remains resilient against digital threats.