County’s Innovation and Technology Department protects residents’ data

County ITD technicians ensure the security of public data.

As more county services are carried out online, the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors (BOS) and the county’s Innovation and Technology Department (ITD) lead the way to leverage technology to protect residents’ information and streamline government services.

The Board has approved a partnership between ITD and the public benefit organization, Internet Security Research Group (ISRG), to implement free Secure Socket Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) certificates through Let’s Encrypt, which will be implemented across various departmental websites to enhance the county’s cybersecurity systems.

When a resident uses a county website such as the Arrowhead Regional Medical Center’s website, they may provide or access sensitive personal information, including Social Security numbers, health records and financial data.

ITD safeguards this data by using ISRG’s SSL/TLS certificates to encrypt these online interactions between a user’s internet browser and the county’s web server. SSL/TLS certificates function like a digital “lock and key” that encodes the data, making it unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it. This encryption prevents cybercriminals from acquiring the data as it travels across the internet.

“As the digital landscape continues to evolve, fortifying our cybersecurity measures is at the heart of delivering reliable and trusted digital services to our community,” said County Chief Information Officer Lynn Fyhrlund. “The partnership with Let’s Encrypt ensures that we can meet today’s challenges and create a sustainable, secure infrastructure for the future.”

One of the most significant advantages of ISRG’s Let’s Encrypt initiative is that the SSL/TLS certificates are provided at no cost. Additionally, ISRG’s Let’s Encrypt will automate the renewal of certificates, which will save staff time and follow more stringent industry standards for certificate lifecycles. For a large public entity like San Bernardino County, which must secure numerous websites and online portals, this solution offers substantial benefits and ensures good stewardship of taxpayer resources.

“Safeguarding residents’ personal information is critical in maintaining trust in government,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “By investing in solutions that prioritize both security and fiscal responsibility, we ensure that San Bernardino County remains a leader in digital innovation.”

The collaboration between ITD and ISRG is more than just a technical partnership – it is a key component of the Countywide Vision to use technology as a catalyst for positive change, making government services more efficient and secure.

By adopting best practices in cybersecurity and partnering with innovative organizations like ISRG, ITD is setting a standard for how public entities can protect their residents’ data and create a safer online environment for all who rely on the county’s digital services.

Additional County Update News – September 19, 2024