To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Philip Savino, Director, Information Technology
Prepared By:
prepared
Philip Savino, Director, Information Technology
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presenter
Presenter: Philip Savino, Director, Information Technology
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Subject:
title
1:00 PM *Cybersecurity policy and StateRAMP Update.
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The Arapahoe County Information Technology Department (IT) would like to update the Board of County Commissioners on the progress of ACG Cybersecurity policy and the adoption of StateRAMP.
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Background and Discussion:
The session is to inform the Board of important progress in county-wide cybersecurity. We are prepared to take significant steps to enhance our county's cybersecurity posture by creating the first County-Wide Cybersecurity Policy. Additionally, we seek your permission to proceed with enrolling in the StateRAMP program, which will further fortify our digital security.
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is of paramount importance. The increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats pose a significant risk to our county's sensitive information and digital infrastructure. Recent incidents worldwide underscore the importance of proactive measures to protect against cyberattacks. We believe that a County-Wide Cybersecurity Policy is essential for the following reasons:
Protection of Sensitive Data: We hold vast amounts of sensitive data, including residents' personal information, financial records, and critical government data. A cybersecurity policy will ensure robust safeguards are in place to protect this information.
Operational Continuity: Cyberattacks can disrupt essential services, causing significant downtime and inconvenience. A policy will ensure that our systems are resilient and capable of maintaining essential operations even during security incidents.
Compliance and Legal Requirements: Government agencies are increasingly held to stringent cybersecurity regulations. A policy will help us stay compliant with state and federal requirements, potentially saving us from legal and financial repercussions.
Reputation and Trust: A robust cybersecurity policy demonstrates our commitment to the safety and security of the community. It helps build and maintain trust with the public and partners.
StateRAMP Program Enrollment: To complement our efforts in creating a cybersecurity policy, we propose enrolling in the StateRAMP program. The StateRAMP program is a nationally recognized framework that focuses on securing cloud-based solutions and data. Enrolling in this program provides several benefits:
Enhanced Security Standards: StateRAMP offers a standardized approach to evaluating and improving cloud security, ensuring that our cloud-based systems meet the highest security standards.
Risk Mitigation: By aligning with StateRAMP's best practices, we reduce the risk of data breaches and other cyber threats.
Interoperability: StateRAMP helps ensure that our cloud systems are interoperable and can securely integrate with other state and local systems.
Credibility: Participation in a nationally recognized program enhances our credibility and demonstrates our commitment to cybersecurity.
We seek the Board's permission to proceed with the development of the County-Wide Cybersecurity Policy and enrollment in the StateRAMP program. These initiatives are critical steps in safeguarding our digital assets, ensuring operational continuity, and upholding the trust and confidence of our community.
We believe that by pursuing these objectives, we are making significant strides towards a safer and more secure digital environment for the county. We request your support in this endeavor.
Fiscal Impact: None
Alternatives: The Board could opt to remain without a formal cybersecurity policy and continue with standard assessments.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable.
☒Provide essential and mandated service.
☒Be community-focused
Staff Recommendation: The Information Technology Department recommends that the Board of County Commissioners support the Arapahoe County Information Technology Department to create a Cybersecurity Policy and begin enrollment into the StateRAMP Program.