Cape Charles Staff Receive Cybersecurity and Risk Management Training

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Town of Cape Charles employees took part in cybersecurity and risk management training on September 2, with staff examining real-world cyberattacks against local governments and discussing ways to strengthen the Town’s own security and risk-management practices.

All Town employees attended the cybersecurity portion of the training, presented by Thomas Bullock of the Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA). Town offices closed for approximately one hour that morning so all staff members could participate.

The presentation focused in part on actual cyberattacks targeting localities in Virginia as well as communities elsewhere in the country, providing employees with examples of the threats facing municipal governments.

A particular emphasis was placed on phishing—the fraudulent emails and text messages designed to convince recipients to click malicious links, open attachments or disclose sensitive information.

Town officials noted that phishing attempts are not limited to the workplace. Employees, like other residents, can encounter them through both personal and work email accounts and text messages, making awareness an important first line of defense.

Staff members were encouraged to remain cautious before clicking links, opening unexpected attachments or providing personal or sensitive information.

Following the cybersecurity training, the Town conducted a second session focusing on risk management. That training was mandatory for department heads and voluntary for other Town employees.

Bullock was joined for the second presentation by Nora Pierre, also of VRSA.

The risk management session prompted discussion among Town staff about existing policies and practices intended to reduce potential problems and protect municipal operations.

While Cape Charles already has a number of precautionary policies and practices in place, staff members concluded during the discussion that additional opportunities exist to strengthen those safeguards.

Cybersecurity has become an increasingly important component of local government operations as municipalities rely on computer networks and online systems to provide services, communicate with residents, collect payments and maintain public records.

For Cape Charles, the September training served both as a reminder of those risks and an opportunity for employees and department heads to examine how the Town can better protect its systems, information and day-to-day operations.

About the Author

Wayne Creed

Administrator

View All Posts