#MACoCon Must: Maximizing Your Cybersecurity Cash

At MACo’s Winter Conference, an expert panel will share best practices for counties to maximize the return on state and federal cybersecurity investments. Hackers are increasingly targeting states and local governments with sophisticated cyberattacks. Securing government information systems is critical, as a cyber intrusion can be very disruptive, jeopardizing sensitive information, public safety, and essential services. Now, more than ever, it is critical for counties to get the most from f state and federal cybersecurity…

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EPA Offers Free Cybersecurity Assessment for Public Water Systems

Cyberattacks against public water systems are increasing. Implementing basic cyber hygiene practices can help utilities prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is offering to conduct a free cybersecurity assessment for public water infrastructure. EPA's Water Sector Cybersecurity Evaluation provides direct access to a cybersecurity professional who will perform a free virtual cybersecurity assessment. EPA will provide guidance through the assessment process and answer questions and concerns along…

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Safeguard Your Municipality: Join MML’s Cyberthreat Webinar with VC3 ~ Oct 12

The Maryland Municipal League (MML) will be hosting a cyberthreat webinar for members with the new firm VC3 on Oct 12 at noon. In our increasingly digitized world, the threat of cyberattacks looms large, especially for local governments entrusted with sensitive data and limited IT budgets. Recognizing the pressing need to bolster cybersecurity measures, the Maryland Municipal League (MML) is organizing an insightful webinar in collaboration with VC3, a cutting-edge technology firm. Scheduled for October…

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Protecting Maryland Agriculture: Smart Farming Cybersecurity Free Forum Oct 25

Queen Anne’s County Economic & Tourism Development, in partnership with TEDCO and Bay Crossing Consulting, invites you to Protecting Maryland Agriculture: Smart Farming Cybersecurity Challenges & Solutions on October 25, 2023 at Chesapeake College from 8:30am – 1:30pm. This free forum will provide farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs the opportunity to learn about cybersecurity and privacy threats and the challenges that come with the use of modern information technology in food production, transportation, and agriculture. It’s difficult to…

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Cybersecurity Awareness Month: County Resources

Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2023 highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and encourages individuals and businesses to take essential cybersecurity steps to stay safe online. Since 2004, the President of the United States and Congress have declared October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a dedicated month for the public and private sectors to work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity. 2023 marks the 20th Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and it has grown into a collaborative…

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FREE NACo Webinars on Civic Engagement, ARPA, Disaster Mitigation, Summer Hunger, Housing, and Ransomware

The National Association of Counties (NACo) hosts free webinars every month to provide county leaders and professionals with knowledge on best practices and hot topics in various areas. Join NACo for the following webinars September 18th through September 28th. Empowering Tomorrow's Leaders: The Junior Commissioner Program and Civic Engagement for Youth SEPTEMBER 18, 2023, 2:00 P.M. TO 3:00 P.M.          REGISTRATION Are you interested in engaging the next generation in civic participation…

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Cyberattack Simulation Exercise – Online, Participatory, and FREE for MACo Members

The Professional Development Academy hosts a quarterly Cyberattack Simulation exercise, and our September simulation has been fully sponsored! That means you and an unlimited number of your colleagues can join the virtual training at NO COST. The simulation is a reality-based exercise that prepares risk leaders for cyberattacks by assessing current readiness state and identifying gaps in preparedness. It is intended for anyone involved in cybersecurity management, risk defense, policy management, finance, or data access.  Simulation Topic: Ransomware September 11 –…

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FREE NACo Webinars on Cyber, Civic Engagement, and Behavioral Health

The National Association of Counties (NACo) hosts free webinars every month to provide county leaders and professionals with knowledge on best practices and hot topics in various areas. Join NACo for the following webinars September 7th through September 14th: TechKnow Series: NACo Tech Xchange Overview - Resources and Tools for Your CIO Strategy  September 7th, 2023 | 1 P.M. - 2 P.M.          REGISTRATION Overview - This is a first in a…

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#MACoCon Tech Expo Explores What New Technology Means for County Workforce

The application of artificial intelligence, facial recognition software, and virtual reality training tools is underway in county government and moving to scale.  The Tech Expo at the 2023 MACo Summer Conference covered three types of technology currently being integrated into a number of county level functions. One major takeaway across the board was that local governments must adapt quickly or risk becoming obsolete. At the same time these are new landscapes for government entities and…

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