Cyber security threat prompts county action

Donley County Commissioners met in regular session last Monday, May 9, to consider several agenda items.

Commissioners okayed more than $5,000 for a new Linux server for the clerk’s office to strengthen cyber security.

County Judge John Howard said some counties have been hit by cyberattacks in which government data is encrypted and then held for ransom. The new server will add a layer of protect for the county.

The court also approved a new panic button system for the Precinct 3&4 Justice of the Peace office in Hedley to be compatible with the new digital system in use in other county offices.

Officials also heard a report from Justice of the Peace Denise Bertrand regarding electrical needs for lighting the west side of the courthouse square during the holidays. No action was taken, but the county will be consulting with an electrician.

The court approved $500 to sponsor the Saints’ Roost Museum’s chuckwagon cookoff and approve up to $100 for new flowers and planters at the courthouse.

Howard also updated the court on a state grant which would pay 50 percent of the cost for a new patrol vehicle and 100 percent of the cost to employee one officer to work the highways for one year. A decision on the grant will come this summer.