Sylint focusing on computer security

The Sarasota City Commission was told at its regular meeting Monday that nothing is more important than upgrading City Hall’s computer security network so it’s not vulnerable to hacking attacks.

While Sarasota-based Sylint Group is still working on upgrading the city’s shoddy e-mail server system, Sylint President John Jorgensen said security is key.

“We suggest we extend our efforts in ensuring that the city has proper cyber security in place,” Jorgensen said.

Jorgensen said the criminal investigation is ongoing and Sylint is giving information to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Federal Bureau of Investigation as needed.

Sylint Group has been working with the City Auditor and Clerk’s Office to overhaul the department after it was discovered last year that e-mails were lost and allegations of employee misconduct surfaced that led to the resignation of former city manager Bob Bartolotta.

Also at its meeting, the commission:

Approved:
• Requests by city staff to fill vacant positions in the city’s Public Works and Utilities Departments during a hiring freeze.
• A proposed interlocal agreement between the city of Sarasota and Sarasota County for Brownfield site remediation at the Marian Anderson Brownfield site.
• A parking agreement between the city and Casto-Zenith Venture LLC for operation of the Whole Foods parking garage.
• Approving a proposed interlocal agreement that updates and enforces updated airport-zoning regulations at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport.
• A lease agreement between the city and Sarasota County for a portion of the city-owned building at 250 Adams Lane to be used for a county law library.
• Allocated $36,800 in grants funds that will be used for the purchase of equipment and installation costs to retrofit police vehicles for a radio system overhaul.

Postponed:
• Spending money on a plan to revitalize northwest Sarasota.

For more information on the computer investigation and Monday's city commission meeting, pick up a copy of Thursday's May 10 Sarasota Observer.
 

Contact Kurt Schultheis at [email protected].