The city finance team has presented a proposal to the committee advocating for a three-year cybersecurity program known as Copilot from DataServe. This initiative aims to ensure compliance with the state requirements outlined in House Bill 96, which mandates specific cybersecurity measures by January 1, 2026.
The proposal is a comprehensive package, starting with a full risk assessment and encompassing a review of policies and procedures, ongoing staff training, endpoint and network protections, data backup and recovery planning, and incident response preparation. These services are critical for meeting the state’s cybersecurity compliance deadline. DataServe, a company with SOC 2 certification, has provided local references to validate its offerings. A notable supporter of DataServe, Andy Volnick, highlighted its benefits during a recent conference.
Finance staff indicated that the typical annual cost for the Copilot program is $12,600. However, DataServe has provided a discounted rate of $9,600 per year for three years, contingent upon the city signing up before the end of the calendar year. Furthermore, staff members noted that some existing expenditures, approximately $8,000 currently allocated to a vendor for training, would be eliminated rather than added, making this transition budget-neutral in their assessment.
During the discussion, committee members inquired about the city’s current compliance with House Bill 96. The staff clarified that without a formally written and approved program, Sunbury would not meet the requirements. They believe there is sufficient time to develop a written policy to present to the council. One committee member referred to the DataServe option as the “easy button” for compliance, emphasizing that it would address gaps that the city staff may not be able to cover independently. The staff also confirmed that Sunbury currently has cyber insurance, and DataServe would assist in completing the extensive security questionnaire required by the insurer.
Next Steps for Implementation
Following the discussion, committee members expressed their support for pursuing DataServe as a replacement vendor. Staff confirmed that the associated costs are included in the draft budget, although the committee did not take a vote on the contract during this meeting.
This proactive approach to cybersecurity highlights the growing recognition of the importance of robust security measures within municipal operations. As regulatory requirements evolve, cities like Sunbury are taking steps to protect their digital assets and ensure compliance with state mandates. The adoption of services like those offered by DataServe represents a significant step towards fortifying the city’s cybersecurity posture against potential threats.
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