The Cloud Vision Gains Support
John Nicholas, a well-known cybersecurity professor in the University of Akron, has supported Russel Neal’s vision to move the city to the “cloud.” Nicholas believes that Neal’s vision of a cloud-based solution has the potential to develop into a viable option.
Nicholas referred the financial aspect of the solution as its greatest advantage. Nicholas explained that while they are many ways to re-invent the city’s cybersecurity, there was hardly anything cheaper than a cloud approach to minimize the costs.
As a local, Nicholas is well aware of the budget issues faced by the city on a long-term basis. Therefore, he is positive that the inclusion of cloud-based technology will fit the bill for the city.
Nicholas explained that cloud-based companies have the modern technology, machinery, and professionals to design and implement cutting-edge solutions for security.
Neal is fully prepared to engage in discussions for the operating budget where he expects the topic of cyberthreats to be raised. He is hopeful that the city administration will approve his idea of implementing a cloud-based solution soon enough. So far, the damaged public components of the systems have been re-instated. However, the ransomware removal processes are not finished yet.
Councilwoman Keith Waits for the Final Report
Marilyn Keith, Ward 8 Councilwoman, stated that she anticipates the council to take initiatives after they get the final report on the cyberattack.
Keith unveiled the fact that the city has come to the realization that cybercriminals are repeatedly trying to infiltrate its network. While earlier, she was happy with the existing cybersecurity setup of the city, the January attack changed her mind. She believes that it is the time for the city to go to the next level and strengthen its cybersecurity to address modern security concerns.
Ellen Lander Nischt, the City’s spokeswoman, revealed the fact that during the past few days, replacements came for a few computers. Similarly, on the software side, the city has begun to integrate new tools.
Keith believes that there is a long road ahead, in terms of the internal work and assessment they have to do for the city’s cybersecurity defenses. She pointed out the non-functional state of computers as the city awaits a full recovery before a proper and thorough cyber diagnosis is carried out.
Keith remarked that the council plans to inspect brand-new IT solutions after the complete ransomware removal and recovery processes. She said that,
“As hackers get more sophisticated, we need to get more sophisticated.”
Unlike Neal, Keith has not divulged any specific details about the city’s approach in the future. Instead, she plans to wait for the complete analysis before brainstorming the best solution for the city.
