Cloverdale officials ready to tackle cybersecurity

Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 10:49 AM

By Paul Gable

Cloverdale insurance provider, Andrew O'Hair and town attorney Richard Shagley raised concern that the town does not have enough cybersecurity coverage.

Cloverdale Town Council president Brandon Tancak needs no reminders of how dangerous the internet can be and how vital cybersecurity is for Cloverdale.

Tancak is aware of the recent cyber attack on Crown Equipment, as well as other cyber attacks on other businesses, as well as towns and cities.

The issue is now at the forefront for Tancak and Cloverdale officials, following a recent meeting with the towns insurance provider, Andrew O'Hair, of EPIC Insurance. During the meeting, O'Hair and Cloverdale town attorney Richard Shagley raised concern that the town does not have enough cybersecurity coverage. Currently, the town's policy features a $50,000 coverage. Both made a compelling case for a full policy, something Tancak said the town council will have to look into.

"This matter has been on our radar for the past couple of years on whether or not to proceed with adding that coverage. It is one of those things you really don't think about until it's too late or it hits close to home like it has done here recently within the county and neighboring counties," Tancak told The Putnam County Post.

Cloverdale's town council president admitted he was not at all surprised with the conversation with both O'Hair and Shagley.

"Not at all. It is something Andrew and I have been discussing the past couple of years. I will say I feel for the companies and towns that have to endure the process and pain of having to go through an incident related to cybersecurity," Tancak said.

How concerned is he about a potential cyberattack?

"In today's world, especially with how dependent we are with technology, the risk is always there. The spam emails are always in your inbox. Being smart and knowing if something looks out of character to not open it or forward it and just delete it. The day we think it won't happen to us or there is not a chance it will happen to us, it will," Tancak acknowledged.

Tancak said council currently does not have corresponding email addresses and the town is currently working on getting that added feature, not only for cybersecurity but also legal aspects, as well as eyeing a new future in cybersecurity.

"We received the paperwork to start the process, so I would imagine there will be a vote to go to full coverage next month," Tancak said.