TO: Board of Supervisors
FROM: Jon Gjestvang, Chief Information Officer- Information Technology Services
REPORT BY: Julia Bordona, Staff Services Manager
SUBJECT: Cybersecurity Awareness Month
RECOMMENDATION
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Presentation of a proclamation to Jon Gjestvang, Chief Information Officer, declaring October 2023 as “Cybersecurity Awareness Month” in Napa County.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Napa County Information Technology Services Division has made significant investments in technology supporting public safety, human services, and other county business operations to provide effective services to residents. A significant part of these investments includes supporting the critical technology infrastructure to conduct business efficiently and effectively while minimizing risk to the County’s data and IT assets. The
threat from security breaches is real, and we must continue to take the proper precautions to protect Napa County infrastructure and citizen data. The purpose of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is to increase awareness and educate County staff, citizens and interested groups about the importance of maintaining the security of cyber space and to increase our resiliency in the event of a cyber incident.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
No |
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County Strategic Plan pillar addressed: |
Effective and Open Government |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15738 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Since its inception in 2004 by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, October has been nationally recognized as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The Napa County Information Technology Services Division is responsible for the development, operation, and maintenance of all County information systems, including the Internet and Intranet. Cybersecurity is a vitally important component in protecting those information security systems.
The purpose of Cybersecurity Awareness Month is to increase awareness and educate County staff, citizens and interested groups about the importance of maintaining the security of cyberspace and to increase our resiliency in the event of a cyber incident. Through the STOP.THINK.CONNECT Campaign, ITS distributes flyers, posters, security newsletters and other campaigns to instill security awareness.
The overarching theme for Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The theme empowers individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, with a particular emphasis on the key message for 2023: “If you connect it, protect it.” If everyone does their part - implementing stronger security practices, raising community awareness, educating vulnerable audiences, or training employees - our interconnected world will be safer and more resilient for everyone.