Staff recommends the acceptance of the State Homeland Security Program FY 2024 award administered by the Montana Disaster Emergency Services (DES) in the amount of $90,000.

The City of Billings Information Technology department received a $90,000 grant from the Montana Department of Emergency Services and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help fund a three-phase cybersecurity tightening project. Coming at a time when public-facing networks are under increased cyberattacks, the effort is a continuation of efforts IT has made to secure its networks.The grant will fund:

• a complete third party assessment of our current vulnerabilities, including network, end user training and access, policies, and internal IT structures/procedures.
• development of a cybersecurity roadmap to reduce/eliminate vulnerabilities and develop policies as needed.
• leverage outside professional consulting services to provide guidance and assist our internal IT staff as we implement the recommendations outlined in the cybersecurity roadmap. This will include focusing on changes to areas such as our cybersecurity related policies, procedures, infrastructure, staffing, etc.

• The municipal court system.
• Public works water, sewer, solid waste, and other systems.
• All City offices, their data systems, and archives.
• Airport non-flight services, including the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
• Library services, Human Resources, payroll, licensing, parking, etc.
• All critical safety systems including 9-1-1, Police, and Fire.

City Council may:

• Approve; or,
• Not Approve

Acceptance of the grant will provide $90,000 in funding to complete the external cybersecurity assessment, road map development, and assistance in implementing recommendations.

This grant will provide IT with funds to support an external cybersecurity review and ability to work with a consultant to tighten cybersecurity protocols and planning.