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County Strengthens Cybersecurity Defense

BEND, OR -- Ransomware and other cyberattacks are a growing threat to public and government services; prompting Deschutes county commissioners to agree to hire a cybersecurity company to safeguard the county’s computer systems.

Deschutes County IT Manager Kevin Furlong told commissioners it’s better to contract with a company rather than hiring a new employee due to the specialized nature of cybersecurity.

“These organization have highly qualified individuals that are kind of outside our ability to reach in terms of their skillset and in their earning potentials. This is a way for us to get that talent and the benefits that come with that in a more bite size fashion,” says Furlong who told commissioners that XentIT comes highly recommended and will provide 24-hour, 7-day a week service to the county, “This contract is for us to expand on our cybersecurity program. And obtain some skilled resources that can augment our defenses and engage in response to any indicators of compromise.”

Commissioner Patti Adair believes government computer systems are major targets, “I think we all need to be aware of the dangers of…what is out there. You hear about it all the time.”

The County will evaluate their deal with the Maryland-based company at the end of this one-year $210,000 contract.

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