DEPARTMENT: Information Technology
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
title
Proclamation Of October 2026 As Cybersecurity Awareness Month
end
RESOLUTION
body
WHEREAS, counties recognize the vital role that the internet and information technology play in everyone’s daily lives; and
WHEREAS, counties understand that critical sectors are increasingly reliant on information systems to support financial services, energy, telecommunications, transportation, utilities, health care, and emergency response systems; and
WHEREAS, internet users and the nation’s information infrastructure face an increasing threat of malicious cyberattack, loss of privacy from spyware and adware, and significant financial and personal losses due to identity theft and fraud; and
WHEREAS, maintaining the security of cyberspace is a shared responsibility in which everyone has a critical role, and awareness of computer security essentials will improve the security of Dakota County information infrastructure and economy; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cybersecurity Alliance have promoted an annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and all government entities and citizens are encouraged to learn about cybersecurity and put that knowledge into practice in their homes, schools, workplaces, and businesses.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Dakota County Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims the month of October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Dakota County.
end
BACKGROUND
Dakota County provides a wide variety of services that expose the County to many types of sensitive information. The nature of the information and data maintained by Dakota County puts Dakota County at significant risk of cyberattacks.
Dakota County Information Technology and Dakota County Risk and Emergency Management, with the support of the County Board and Senior Leadership Team, are continually working to improve our security defenses in response to escalating cyber threats. We have increased, and will continue to increase, our monitoring and reporting. All these changes make the County network more secure from outside threats. As human error is widely considered the cause of at least a quarter of all reportable security breaches, it is critical that everyone understand their role in securing personal and County information. To that end, the County has a robust training plan that requires employees to stay current on threats and their responsibility in mitigating them.
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommend that the County Board proclaim October 2026 as Cybersecurity Awareness Month in Dakota County. To support the proclamation, staff will be assigned a Security Awareness Proficiency Assessment to better target training on weaknesses in the organization and Information Technology will post cybersecurity tips and information for staff.
end
FINANCIAL AND STAFFING IMPACTS
None.
PREVIOUS BOARD ACTION
None.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment: None
CONTACT
Department Director: Tony Gomes
Author: David Senn