Approval of contract with SHI Government Solutions, Inc. for Internal Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing in the amount of $191,075 through the Texas Department of Information Resources Contract No. DIR-CPO-4398.

Vulnerability testing, also known as penetration testing, involves assessing computer systems and networks to identify weaknesses that bad actors could exploit. These tests simulate cyber-attacks to uncover vulnerabilities in the City's IT systems. By conducting vulnerability testing at this scale, the City can proactively identify and address security problems before it is too late. This ensures that necessary measures are taken to patch vulnerabilities, strengthen security controls, and minimize the risk of a successful ransomware attack.

IT security policies and conducting vulnerability testing helps the City adhere to these regulations and demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding sensitive information. The contractor will fully review the City's policies and provide documents and revisions to current policies for a complete framework. The City can use this framework as guidance for Information Security throughout the organization. Effective IT security policies and vulnerability testing contribute to safety by reducing the likelihood of security incidents and minimizing their impact. In the event of a ransomware attack or data leak, the City using these robust security measures, can respond promptly and effectively, limiting the disruption to our operations and Citizens alike. By implementing proactive security measures and regularly assessing vulnerabilities, the City can ensure the continuity of the City processes and maintain the trust of its citizens and employees.