Van Zandt County approves "Know Before You Go" cybersecurity training to meet state requirement

Van Zandt County Commissioners Court approved using the online program Know Before You Go for county cybersecurity training to meet the requirement referenced in Government Code §2054.5191. The court voted to allow all county employees with computer access to complete the training this year, with the county aiming to show compliance by June 1, 2025.

A county staff member explained that the county previously procured training through the Texas Association of Counties (TAC) but has switched to Know Before You Go; the new vendor requires no additional county cost, and staff said the program takes about 30 minutes to complete. The presenter told the court the county would request completion by May 31 so that the county’s compliance reporting window—beginning June 1—could reflect the required training completion rate. The presenter also clarified that the training requirement applies to employees who use computers more than 25 percent of their work time.

Commissioners made and seconded a motion to accept the proposal to complete cybersecurity training through Know Before You Go for 2025 reporting; the motion passed by voice vote. One county participant noted the change will save money compared with the previous TAC arrangement because there are no additional vendor charges under the new program; that cost-savings remark was made on the record.

County staff said they will provide progress updates via email and may note completion percentages in future general announcements to the commissioners. The transcript records the court’s unanimous approval by voice vote; the meeting did not include roll-call tallies or contractor invoices on the record.