Category Archives: Workplace / Legal / Security

By Christine Graf
In November 2018, Washington County was the recipient of one of just 10 grants given out by the state Cybersecurity Grant Program to shore up cybersecurity at county offices.

State Homeland Security and Emergency Services made the funding available to local governments to “enhance and sustain their cybersecurity posture as well as ensure that their information systems are secure and protected from cyber incidents.”

The grant was written by Karen Pratt, who has worked for Washington County for more than 20 years. Before being named the county’s cybersecurity officer approximately one year ago, she served as director of informational technology (IT).

In June, she was one of just three people chosen to receive the state Cybersecurity Champion Award. The award was presented by the Office of Information Technology Services. Pratt and the others were honored for their significant contributions to support and enhance cybersecurity in New York.

New York state now has legislation to protect New Yorkers against security breaches.

The Stop Hacks and Improve Electronic Data Security—or SHIELD Act—imposes stronger obligations on businesses handling private data to provide proper notification to affected consumers when there is a security breach.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo also signed legislation requiring consumer credit reporting agencies to offer identity theft prevention and mitigation services to consumers who have been affected by a security breach of the agency’s system.

“As technology seeps into practically every aspect of our daily lives, it is increasingly critical that we do everything we can to ensure the information that companies are trusted with is secure,” Cuomo said. “The stark reality is security breaches are becoming more frequent and with this legislation New York is taking steps to increase protections for consumers and holding these companies accountable when they mishandle sensitive data.”

Atty. Gen. Letitia James said the SHIELD Act is now “the law of the land and provides better protections for consumers’ private information. New Yorkers deserve the peace of mind that companies will be held accountable for securing their information.