Summary: For several years, Willow Park has been buying cyber liability coverage with the Texas Municipal League (TML); however, in June 2024, TML created a new Cyber Liability Fund, which Willow Park has elected to join. Not a bad investment considering Texas was among the most targeted locations for cyber attacks in 2023 and, as of 2019, Texas is preparing to implement mandatory cybersecurity training for all its government employees.
• Latest Update: posted 26 June 2024
• Tags: #CityServices
Willow Park has joined the Texas Municipal League's new Cyber Liability Fund.
For several years, Willow Park has been buying cyber liability coverage with the Texas Municipal League (TML); however, in June 2024, TML created a new Cyber Liability Fund and approved changes to the coverage structure due to the unpredictability of cybercriminal activity. To continue the coverage, the City are required to opt-in to a Cyber Liability & Data Breach Response Interlocal Agreement. [*1]
The new Fund has the same coverage and the same cost as the old TML liability policy.
Unlike insurance companies, a partnership with the Texas Municipal League Cyber Liability Fund [*2] provides cyber liability coverage and related resources at a minimal cost. Cyber threats are becoming increasingly common, and governmental entities are exposed to this threat. Once the Pool recognized the threat we responded by broadening our coverage and obtaining needed resources for the membership, including the following:
• Pre-breach Services
• Best Industry Practices
• Online Risk Assessment Tools
• Training
• White Papers
• Post-breach Services
• Privacy Breach Response Services
• Notification of Affected Individuals
• Call Center Support
• Breach Resolution
• Legal Services
• Computer Expert Services
• Public Relations and Crisis Management Services
Not a bad investment considering Texas was among the most targeted locations for cyber attacks in 2023 and, as of 2019, Texas is preparing to implement mandatory cybersecurity training for all its government employees. [#3]
Sources and Resources
[*1] 25 June 2024 Council Meeting, Agenda Item 4. Discussion/Action: to approve an Interlocal Agreement between the City of Willow Park and the Texas Municipal League for 2024-2025 Cyber Liability and Data Breach Response Coverage. #Finance
• Background:
The City has been carrying cyber liability coverage through TMLIRP in the event of cybercriminal activity for the last several years. On June 7, 2024, we received notice that TMLIRP created a new Cyber Fund and approved changes to the coverage structure due to the unpredictability of cybercriminal activity. To continue the coverage, we are required to opt-in to a Cyber Liability & Data Breach Response Interlocal Agreement.
• Exhibits: • Cyber Liability & Data Breach Response Interlocal Agreement and supporting documents.
[*3] Articles
• These Six Texas Industries Suffered Hacks in 2023, Center for Internet Security, 04 January 2024
Texas was among the most targeted locations for cyber attacks in 2023 and some of the state’s biggest companies had their user information be made available to unauthorized third parties.
• Rural Texas towns report cyberattacks that caused one water system to overflow, The Texas Tribune, 19 April 2024
Local officials said the public was not put in any danger and the attempts were reported to federal authorities.
According to the CyberTexas Foundation, San Antonio is currently ranked second in cybersecurity in the nation, with Washington, D.C. ranked first. The city is home to 1000 information technology businesses that generate an economic impact each year of $12 billion. There are also 35,000 IT workers in San Antonio, a number expected to double in the next five years.
As of 2019, Texas is preparing to implement mandatory cybersecurity training for all its government employees, according to InfoSecurity Magazine. That year, 23 local government entities in Texas were targeted in a ransomware attack. The need for cybersecurity awareness training is great within the state. The Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) is currently accepting applications to certify cybersecurity awareness training programs. Once the list has been completed, all state and local government agencies and officials will be obligated to complete cybersecurity awareness training.
In another cybersecurity initiative, Texas schools are now required to create their own cybersecurity plans and train their faculty and staff. Under Senate Bill 820, school districts must create a cybersecurity policy in order to secure their schools’ cyberinfrastructure. They must also implement mitigation planning and perform risk assessments. Districts are directed to create a cybersecurity coordinator who will act as a liaison between school districts, the state, and parents.
Comments