[ad_1]
Pictured, from left, City Council Speaker Anthony Dolce, R-Ward II, Mayor John Celstrom, and Information Technology Director Mark Dean.PJ photo by Timothy Flood
In the modern age of technology, the city council is considering significant changes to its 2023 administrative budget due to cybersecurity concerns.
At a budget hearing this week, the city’s director of information technology, Mark Dean, told city council that the city’s information technology department has only two employees.
“Now I have another technician with me.” Dean said.
Mayor Eddie Sandquist’s proposed executive budget does not include additional staff in the Information Technology Department, despite calling for additional staff members to be included in the 2023 budget.
“We had people we wanted to add, but they weren’t there.” Dean said. “That person is basically between a computer specialist and me.”
Dean said the additional network technician workforce will go a long way in helping the city address its growing network, software and hardware needs. However, he explained that the most direct benefit is for the city’s cybersecurity efforts.
“The real big reason we want to add this is that City Hall has a lot of technical needs.” He said. “What is happening here is that many departments are doing their own thing and leaving IT to themselves.”
As a result, Dean explained that information technology departments are often left behind. “out of loop” Regarding the equipment and software used in the different departments of the city. Thus, when a technical need arises that requires his department’s attention, the city department does not provide information to his IT department, so the information technology department is not necessarily familiar with the issue. It doesn’t mean there is.
“If it happens, maybe someone else can help with that.” Dean said.
Alderman Kim Ecklund (R-At Large) questioned other departments acting without IT’s help and consent.
“Why are other departments trying to do IT themselves?” she asked. “Shouldn’t that normally go through the IT department?”
Dean said it makes sense for the IT department to oversee all technology used in the city, but he said: “That’s a really good question.” Why other departments manage their own IT. Dean added that the issue should probably be considered.
Ecklund also asked Dean for more information on the city’s cybersecurity.
“Is there a problem with that?” she asked. “Are you using too many inappropriate sites, or too many things you shouldn’t be entering?”
In addition to the other responsibilities of the two IT staffers, Dean said managing the city’s cybersecurity requires a significant amount of time. Nevertheless, he explained that it is important for the city that people work responsibly and avoid dangerous sites that could compromise the city’s cybersecurity.
“That’s another level of time taken during the day for me and the computer specialists.” He said. “Unfortunately, we all have to be constantly monitored to ensure we don’t do things we shouldn’t and to monitor it.”
R-Ward V Alderman William Reynolds said the information technology department is: “well done” With a staff of just two, it manages all of the city’s various technology, internet and cybersecurity needs. Reynolds also expressed support for Dean’s department to receive funding for her 2023 additional staff her members.
Ecklund concludes his question for Dean by suggesting that the city council may look more closely at other departments doing their own IT work.
“I am concerned that other departments are doing their own IT work.” she said. “I think we probably need to talk a little more about that.”
Asked whether the city council would consider Dean’s request for additional information and technical staff members, City Council Speaker Anthony Dolce (R-Ward II) told the Post Journal that cybersecurity issues are a top priority and that more said it would be considered. .
“I think cybersecurity is at the forefront of most businesses, businesses, and schools.” He said. “There has been a lot of discussion about it, so the council asked IT Director Mark Dean to help him in any way he can to ensure the security of the IT systems is at the highest level. I will seriously consider it.”
[ad_2]
Source link
