Free Cybersecurity Training Available for Local Govs

Maryland state and local employees have an opportunity to sharpen their cybersecurity skills at no cost. The COMET program, launching this fall, offers flexible training tracks designed to prepare government staff for today’s evolving digital threats. In a recent press release, Maryland state and local government employees have an opportunity to boost their cybersecurity skills through BCR Cyber’s COMET program. Starting September 29 and running through November 3, 2025, the program is free for eligible…

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Maryland Unveils IT Master Plan to Modernize State Services

Maryland is setting a new course for how government delivers digital services. The State’s IT Master Plan lays out concrete steps to modernize technology, streamline operations, and expand access for residents, businesses, and communities. The Maryland Department of Information Technology (DoIT) has released its new Information Technology Master Plan, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to modernize how the State builds, manages, and delivers technology services. From the press release: To make this Maryland’s decade, we need…

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#MACoCon Recap: Cyberattack “Hot Wash” – Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong

At the MACo Summer Conference, state, local, and federal leaders came together for a candid discussion on the realities of cyber threats facing county governments. The Summer Conference session, The Cyberattack “Hot Wash” – Lessons Learned After Things Went Wrong, examined firsthand experiences with cyber incidents and practical strategies for prevention, response, and recovery. State Delegate Vaughn Stewart moderated the panel, guiding an engaging conversation on navigating cyberattacks, protecting critical systems, and ensuring continuity of…

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Ransomware Reality: County Leaders Face Simulated Cyber Crisis at #MACoCon

At the MACo Summer Conference, county officials stepped into the middle of a simulated ransomware attack, testing how local governments communicate and coordinate in the face of a crisis. 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 delivering essential services. The Summer Conference session, Ransomware Reality: Communicating Through a Cyberattack – An…

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#MACoCon Recap: Ready, Set, Respond — Tech Tools for County Emergency Preparedness

At the 2025 MACo Summer Conference, counties explored how technology is transforming preparedness, planning, and response. The session, “Ready, Set, Respond: Tech Tools for County Emergency Preparedness,” highlighted practical innovations counties can deploy to bolster resilience and safeguard communities. State Delegate Jason Buckel moderated the conversation, guiding panelists through how counties can harness cutting-edge tools to anticipate risks, protect infrastructure, and respond when disasters strike. #Counties are harnessing cutting-edge tools to prepare for and respond…

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#MACoCon Recap — Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption

At the MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and experts examined the evolving role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in local government, balancing its promise for efficiency and service delivery with the policy challenges of ethics, transparency, and preemption. Maryland Delegate Linda Foley led the conversation and moderated an informative Q&A at the Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption session at the MACo Summer Conference. Full house at #MACoCon for Artificial Intelligence: Power, Potential, and Preemption —…

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Some States Stay Ahead of SharePoint Exploit With Strong Cyber Practices

An uncovered vulnerability in Microsoft SharePoint triggered concern across public and private sectors, but some states are staying ahead of the threat. With proactive patching, layered defenses, and cloud-first strategies, states like Missouri and Indiana offer reminders that strong cybersecurity practices pays off. Previously covered by MACo, a newly discovered security flaw in Microsoft SharePoint set off a wave of cyberattacks targeting governments, universities, and private organizations, including multiple US federal and state agencies. The…

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Montgomery County Adds Real-Time Bus Arrival Displays

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is installing real-time bus arrival displays at high-ridership bus stops and transit centers across the County.   The technology, referred to as ePaper and supplied by Connectpoint, is a digital display presenting real-time bus arrival information with an audio readout and text-to-speech button known as Falcon. The MCDOT Division of Transit is currently implementing the screens at 100 bus stops across the County. Approximately 50 screens have been installed as…

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Exploring Maryland Just Got Easier With the New MD Outdoors App!

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is introducing a new free mobile app – MD Outdoors – which will be the official app for the state’s outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and anglers.  The MD Outdoors app replaces the AccessDNR app, which will no longer be supported. Users will need to remove the old app and download an updated version from the DNR website. The new MD Outdoors licensing system went online in June for residents and visitors to purchase Maryland…

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Ransomware Reality: Communicating Through a Cyberattack – An Interactive Exercise

Local government has continued to expand in the digital age far beyond traditional service delivery - county leaders must now be prepared to manage and communicate through complex, high-stakes emergencies like cyberattacks, which seem to have increased year after year.  County governments rely heavily on technology to deliver essential services and manage things like resident data, all while the financial, operational, and reputational risks of a ransomware attack grow more severe. That's where Ransomware Reality:…

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