Can’t Miss at #MACoCon: Protecting County Infrastructure in the Digital Age

At the 2026 MACo Summer Conference, attendees will examine one of local government’s fastest-growing responsibilities: protecting the technology that keeps essential public services running.

Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue. Counties depend on connected systems to operate public safety, emergency communications, utilities, financial systems, public works, and countless other services residents rely on every day.

Protecting County Infrastructure in the Digital Age

A cyberattack can do more than disrupt email or computer networks. It can affect emergency response, interrupt public services, delay government operations, and create significant financial and operational challenges for counties.

As technology becomes more integrated into county operations, local governments must prepare for an evolving threat landscape while balancing limited staff, aging infrastructure, and competing budget priorities.

This session will focus on practical strategies counties can use to strengthen cybersecurity, reduce risk, and improve resilience before an incident occurs. Panelists will discuss today’s threat environment, operational technology, vendor risk, continuity planning, State and local partnerships, and lessons learned from protecting county systems.

Speakers:

  • Steven Burke, Senior Director of Local and State Cybersecurity, Maryland Department of Information Technology
  • Ted Pibil, Advisor, ePlus Technology, Inc.
  • Aubrey “Gene” Ikner, IT Deputy Director and County Chief Information Security Officer, Cecil County

Moderator: The Honorable Lenny Pfeffer, Council President, Dorchester County

Date/Time: Wednesday, August 12, 2026; 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

MACo’s Summer Conference, “Build What’s Next,” takes place August 12-15, 2026, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland. For more information, visit the conference website.

Learn more about MACo’s Summer Conference: