Renfrewshire Council has taken significant steps to enhance its cybersecurity measures by approving a contract for phishing prevention software worth over £667,000. The contract, which will be awarded to IT company Softcat, is initially set for three years with options for two additional two-year extensions. This move aims to address the rising threat of advanced cyberattacks and improve the council’s defense mechanisms.
Councillor Bruce MacFarlane, representing Paisley Southeast, emphasized the importance of treating cybersecurity with the seriousness it requires. He highlighted the need for vigilance among staff and elected members to protect sensitive personal data, underscoring the value of investing in robust security measures.
The council’s decision follows a report identifying sophisticated threats that surpass traditional perimeter defenses. These threats include impersonation, business email compromise, supply chain attacks, social engineering, and zero-day exploits, which pose significant risks such as ransomware. The report noted that these advanced attacks are designed to evade detection by common security solutions like Microsoft 365.
The new contract will provide a second layer of anti-phishing protection, aiming to strengthen the council’s defenses against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. This initiative reflects a proactive approach to cybersecurity, acknowledging the evolving nature of cyber risks and the necessity for enhanced protective measures.
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