News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Overton County has hired Livingston company Bullseye Security to provide cybersecurity and IT support to the county.
County Commissioner Patrick McCurdy said cybersecurity has become an important item for all kinds of organizations but the county does not have the funds for its own IT employee. McCurdy said the company will provide four hours of IT support and troubleshooting per month on top of working on cybersecurity.
“And that’s what concerned me the most was, man, for the amount of money we spend a month is very little compared to losing people’s information to privacy,” McCurdy said. “And/or having it be held hostage for thousands of dollars to unlock all of the information.”
McCurdy said the county has had positive experiences using the company for various contracted jobs in the past. McCurdy said the county is paying $650 per month for the service.
“People can rest at night know that their social security number, address isn’t given some Indian or Pakistani or Liberian to take all their money out of their account,” McCurdy said. “Again, I think it’s very inexpensive insurance.”
McCurdy said the new contract is for one year but either party can terminate the agreement with thirty days notice. McCurdy said having a formal agreement means the county will be a higher priority for the company instead of having to work around the company’s schedule.
“I think it’s wonderful to bring in local people that are close,” McCurdy said. “That can service and take care of your needs without going through some corporate organization. And so we’re doing business with our neighbors and they’ve got a good reputation.”
McCurdy said the IT support is available for the majority of the county’s administrative staff.
“When’s the last time you had your computer fixed or problems with interfacing computers with printers, et cetera?” McCurdy said. “I think it’s a good deal because they’re right there, they come fix it.”
