Ramping up cybersecurity
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By Ariana R. Cherry
With increasing concerns over cyber threats to public infrastructure, the Arthur Village Board is taking steps to strengthen its digital defenses.
The Board approved upgrades to cybersecurity, internet, and phone systems during its April 20 meeting, with improvements planned for the public works facility and both water treatment plants.
Trustees approved a $7,989 proposal from AP Technologies to install firewalls and transition services to fiber internet and updated phone systems. The changes are expected to improve reliability while protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
“The concept of the public utilities not having any firewall protection just doesn’t make sense in this day and age,” Jay Martin from APTechnologies told the board. “It’s actually getting worse by the day,” he said.
Officials said the upgrades will also allow for secure data backups, addressing what is currently a lack of backup protection for files at those locations.
The project includes replacing existing service with fiber internet and implementing voice-over-IP phone systems, which are expected to reduce monthly costs while improving performance.
IN OTHER BUSINESS
• approved a $21,547.42 proposal from Herschberger Concrete to replace the intersection at South Poplar and East Park streets. Public Works trustee Grant Corum noted that “especially the southeast corner of that intersection is pretty rough,” adding that the completed project will resemble other recently improved intersections in the village.
• approved a $7,440 proposal from L&M Construction to replace siding on the west exterior wall of Village Hall, including fixture removal and vent updates.
• approved a $14,500 agreement with J&K Customs to continue treatment of poison hemlock along drainage ditches as part of an ongoing multi-year effort.
• approved $29,779.66 in expenditures.
• financial reports show the village has received approximately 94% of anticipated revenue, with overall expenditures at about 50% of the annual budget.
• village officials said a federal grant for Meadowview infrastructure was not approved, though a County Line Road project was advanced for consideration.
• approved plans to host a public reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8 at the Welcome Center.
• approved the purchase of Freedom Celebration T-shirts for board members and village employees participating in upcoming events.
• village employee recently earned certification to apply herbicides and pesticides, expanding in-house capabilities for maintenance work.