Newton County official outlines Information Services responsibilities

An agency official representing Newton County’s Information Services Department said the department manages and supports the county’s technology systems that enable daily operations and public services. The official outlined responsibilities including network and server maintenance, cloud operations, cybersecurity and disaster recovery.

The overview emphasized the department’s role in maintaining computer networks, servers and communication infrastructure and providing technical support to county employees to minimize downtime and disruptions. "IS also provides technical support to employees and works to minimize network downtime and disruptions," the agency official said.

The official highlighted cybersecurity and data-protection duties, saying the department oversees "cybersecurity, data privacy, system backups, and disaster recovery planning to safeguard sensitive information, such as resident records, financial data, and public safety systems." The remarks framed data security as central to preserving county services and protecting residents’ information.

The speaker also said IS ensures compliance with state and federal regulations that affect data security and accessibility and establishes technology policies and standards to reduce risk and promote consistency across departments. In addition, the official described IS’s work supporting innovation: managing business applications and digital services used by staff and the public, evaluating technology needs, implementing new solutions and coordinating with vendors to improve efficiency and transparency.

The remarks were presented as an informational overview of the department’s functions and responsibilities within Newton County government.