WHITE PLAINS – As local governments become increasingly susceptible to cybersecurity threats over the past decade, Westchester County Executive George Latimer has signed an executive order to create a Task Force on Cybersecurity.
The task force will be charged with reviewing the county’s current cybersecurity policies, and developing new procedures to enhance the long-standing efforts of the county’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT).
Together with DoIT, the task force will ensure the county will be protected if it ever fell victim to a major breach or cybersecurity attack.
“It is crucial that Westchester County take the necessary steps to anticipate and prepare for a possible cybersecurity threat, which could pose a significant risk to our water systems and utilities, school districts and healthcare facilities, airport and other County operations,” Latimer said. “We very much appreciate the good work of the County’s Department of Information Technology, and feel that a strong cybersecurity strategy will arm us with the tools we need to prevent a breach that could access, alter, delete or destroy sensitive data or information.”
Westchester County DoIT currently performs the following cybersecurity strategies:
- Prioritized Identification and Protection of high-value information and assets;
- Timely Detection of and Rapid Response to cyber incidents;
- Cybersecurity Awareness Training and Phishing Campaigns
- Efficient and Effective Acquisition and Deployment of Existing and Emerging Technology
In addition to recommending new cybersecurity strategies, legislation and funding priorities to reduce the risk of cyberattacks, it will also ensure that all county employees receive the proper training on cybersecurity threats. The executive order takes effect immediately.
