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Winchester IT director urges cybersecurity, SCADA migration and modernization in five-goal proposal
Summary
Orlando Lopez outlined five strategic IT goals to the Strategic Planning Committee, prioritizing cybersecurity, operational-technology (SCADA) migration for the water treatment plant, modernization of enterprise tools, GIS expansion and evaluated AI/chatbot use; he said the city saw roughly 26,000 blocked attacks in a 30-day period.
Orlando Lopez, presenting for the Information Technology team, told the Strategic Planning Committee that cybersecurity, operational technology and modernization are the department’s top priorities as the city updates its strategic plan.
Lopez said the IT group—“a team of 14 IT professionals,” he said—faces daily cyber threats and listed cybersecurity as his top goal. He told the committee the city’s systems are “being attacked pretty much every single day to the tune of 26,000, you know, attacks” over a 30-day period and that the department has “been successful in defending ourselves against over 26,000 attacks in a 30 day period.” He framed cybersecurity as a continuous effort requiring software, staff training and periodic phishing or simulation exercises.
Lopez described five goal areas grouped under “modernization” (first three) and “innovation” (last two). Goal 2 focuses on operational technology: Lopez said the department has begun discovery and site surveying to eventually migrate industrial control systems—SCADA—used at the water treatment plant and other critical infrastructure into IT oversight. He estimated that work could span roughly three to five years and said it would likely require additional staff and coordination with Public Services; Perry (Public Services) and Lopez have completed preliminary discussions and a site survey.
On modernization, Lopez cited legacy back-office systems—finance, HR and community development software—and said goal 3 would audit and plan for enterprise-level replacements or upgrades (ERP/CRM) that would benefit multiple departments. Goal 4 would expand geographic information system (GIS) capabilities, including more mobile tools and drone use to support utilities and emergency management. Goal 5 would evaluate artificial-intelligence tools such as chatbots and searchable Q&A to improve citizen-facing interfaces and reduce routine staff time.
Lopez described existing staff training and phishing work: the city uses a training vendor (KnowBe4) and a short-form video series (“Inside Man”) to raise awareness. He said phishing tests and spear-phishing simulations are available and used judiciously to change staff behavior rather than simply penalize mistakes.
Council members and staff discussed resource implications. Lopez said a SCADA migration will likely require a new OT manager, analyst and technician positions over several years and noted that some utility positions may transfer or be funded by the utility rather than the general fund. Committee members emphasized water quality and public trust; one councilor said “we've got great water” but noted public perception concerns and the pending retirement of the current utility technician.
Lopez closed by saying he is working with the city manager and other department heads to refine priorities and that the IT goals are intended to provide a multi-year direction for staff and the council to consider during the strategic planning process.
