Pasadena’s IT Department Reviewing City’s Cyber Defenses to Ensure Protection from Cyber Attacks

Pasadena’s Department of Information Technology (DoIT) said it is continuously reviewing Pasadena’s cyber defenses and will make adjustments if needed to ensure the protection of the city from cyber attacks.

The DoIT made this statement in a memorandum sent to City Manager Cynthia Kurtz on March 31, after President Joe Biden urged U.S. companies to harden their cyber defenses following reports that Russia is preparing disruptive cyberattacks against the U.S. in retaliation for sanctions against the Kremlin over the invasion of Ukraine.

Asim Mohammed, Pasadena’s Acting Chief Information Officer said the department actively performs vulnerability management for its networks and systems.

“The City assesses its risk posture against best practices guidance and active real-world threats, and makes adjustments as necessary.”

“It monitors access to its networks, information and data resources, applies appropriate controls to restrict access from geographic locations, and requires advanced authentication to access City information remotely.”

Mohammed also assured that city staff underwent cybersecurity awareness training including training on how to spot phishing emails to prevent inadvertent disclosure of City’s information.

He said staff are regularly tested against the training with simulated phishing campaigns.

“Attacks and attempted hacks and account breaches are a constant for any business connected to the Internet. Whether worldwide pandemics, floods, fires, or wars, cybercriminals use any event available and any means possible to obtain their financial goals.”

“City technologies are implemented, upgraded and operated with this in mind. In collaboration with all departments and our external partners, the City employs every appropriate effort and measure to ensure the criminals don’t win,” Mohammed said.