Douglas County IT team enhances cybersecurity measures to combat emerging threats

Douglas County officials are taking significant steps to enhance cybersecurity and improve county operations, as discussed during the Board of County Commissioners Work Session on April 16, 2025. The meeting highlighted the county's ongoing efforts to secure its digital infrastructure and streamline various applications that support county services.

A key focus was on the county's IT department, which is responsible for managing essential software and hardware, including backup systems and cloud solutions. The team has developed several applications aimed at improving efficiency, such as a new budget application and a traffic court system that allows users to scan QR codes to reduce wait times.

Cybersecurity emerged as a critical topic, with officials emphasizing the need for robust measures to protect against evolving threats. Recent data from cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike revealed a concerning trend: the average time to exploit known vulnerabilities has decreased from 63 days in 2018 to just 5 days in 2024. This underscores the urgency for timely updates and patches to safeguard county systems.

The county faces daily challenges from phishing attacks, with approximately 30 spam emails being quarantined each day. To combat this, the IT department conducts phishing simulations to educate staff on recognizing potential threats. Additionally, the county employs vulnerability management practices, including regular scans and penetration testing, to ensure software is up-to-date and secure.

The meeting also addressed the implementation of a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) system, which provides 24/7 monitoring of county endpoints to quickly address any security alerts. Recent statistics showed that nearly half of the traffic to the county's website was blocked for malicious activity, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance.

In conclusion, Douglas County is actively enhancing its cybersecurity measures and operational efficiency through innovative applications and robust security protocols. These initiatives are crucial for maintaining the integrity of county services and protecting sensitive information from potential cyber threats. As the landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve, the county remains committed to adapting and improving its defenses.