Counties & Emerging Cybersecurity Trends
Virtual Event | Zoom
If you are having trouble registering for the webinar or need technical assistance in accessing the Zoom platform, please email nacomeetings@naco.org.
Counties face an evolving array of emerging cybersecurity trends. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, counties must contend with challenges such as ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing scams that can compromise sensitive information and disrupt vital services. The interconnectedness of critical infrastructure, government operations, and public services magnifies the potential impact of cyber threats.
Counties are working to bolster our cybersecurity measures by investing in robust defenses, fostering collaboration with cybersecurity experts, and enhancing employee training to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of their digital environments. This presentation will provide actionable steps county leaders can take to stay ahead of these emerging trends to maintain the security and privacy of our citizens in an increasingly digital age.
Speakers
Michele Myauo
Featured Resource
County Tech Xchange
The NACo County Tech Xchange is an online portal designed to connect county CIOs, IT Directors, CISOs, and other county IT leadership. This portal provides valuable resources in a central location that counties can use to improve their overall technology infrastructure.
The Cybersecurity Health Check List: Ensure Your Cybersecurity Program is Healthy and Resilient
Many organizations neglect their cybersecurity "health," leaving them vulnerable to sudden, catastrophic cyberattacks. By following a simple cybersecurity health checklist, you can ensure your organization's cybersecurity program is healthy and resilient.
DOL announces AI workforce development program as part of White House AI Action Plan
The U.S. Department of Labor encouraged state and local governments to use WIOA funds to develop AI workforce development programs.
FCC opens comment period on modernizing the nation's alerting systems
On August 11, the FCC issued a request for public comment on the Emergency Alert System and Wireless Emergency Alerts, to determine if alternative regulatory approaches would better maximize the usefulness, effectiveness and resiliency of the public safety systems.
NACo sends letter to Capitol Hill urging restoration of MS-ISAC funding
NACo sent a letter to congressional appropriations leadership urging federal funding for the Multi State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC)
DHS announces new round of funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new round of funding for the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program (SLCGP)
White House releases AI Action Plan: What it means for counties
The White House releases America’s AI Action Plan, a national framework to guide artificial intelligence infrastructure initiatives and federal policymaking across a range of priority areas.
Cyber Resilience In Action: County Leaders Share Their Strategies
Join county IT leaders to hear how they are defending local government systems, staff, and constituents from ever-increasing cyber-attacks. The panelists will discuss specific examples of cyber-attacks they are experiencing, how elected officials are integral to the defense, as well as monitoring, education and interactive staff activities they provided during October Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
GoFundMe’s Crisis Response Playbook: Trusted Solutions for Counties
This webinar will showcase how GoFundMe serves as a trusted partner for counties and communities in times of crisis.
Modern Networks, Smarter Budgets: A County Leader’s Perspective
Join us for a fireside chat with Orleans County, NY, as they share how their team successfully transitioned from a traditional capital expense (CapEx) model to an operational expense (OpEx) model for network services.
When faced with rising maintenance costs and an expiring carrier contract, the county seized the opportunity to modernize its network and lock in predictable monthly costs. By bundling connectivity services with unified communications, they achieved immediate savings of over $124,000, eliminated recurring charges such as long-distance fees and third-party integration costs, and gained access to operational upgrades like call analytics and auto-attendants.
This shift not only strengthened financial planning through fixed monthly expenses but also freed up IT staff to focus on strategic initiatives.
Key takeaway: Rethinking your budget model can be just as impactful as upgrading your technology — delivering fiscal stability and enhanced services for your community.
Checks, Balances, and Firewalls: Navigating Governance
This session explores the intersection where securing election operations meets digital realities. In an interconnected world, where officials face increased cyber threats and scrutiny, governance forms the backbone of order. This training unravels the fundamentals of governance to strengthen democracy in the digital age, with a particular focus on supply chain and data management.
NACo AI West Regional Forum
The NACo AI Regional Forum series is convening local government elected officials, appointed officers, department heads, and staff across different geographical regions to provide an educational, hands-on symposium on the landscape of artificial intelligence.
Driving GenAI in County Government: A Collaborative, Outcomes-Focused Approach
Artificial intelligence—especially generative AI—is no longer a “future trend” for county governments. It’s here, and its impact depends on how it’s implemented. Successful projects don’t start and end with the IT department; they require strong collaboration across communications, customer service, and business units to ensure technology delivers real outcomes for residents.
Hear from Wyandotte County, KS, where a community speaking 31 languages and handling 50,000 calls a year with just three staff members needed a smarter way to serve residents. Learn how the county partnered across departments to design and deploy conversational digital agents that address real service challenges—while safeguarding data, maintaining public trust, and ensuring equitable access.