Brown County Board Approves New $17,925 Cybersecurity Agreement to Fortify Local Government Systems

Brown County Board Moves Decisively on Cybersecurity

On October 08, 2025, the Brown County Board in Minnesota took a significant step to protect its local government systems, unanimously approving a cybersecurity agreement worth $17,925 annually. This proactive measure arrives amid heightened concerns about cyberattacks targeting public sector IT infrastructure and the critical need to safeguard sensitive government data. The contract, awarded to industry-recognized firm FRSecure, will cover a three-year period and is structured to provide ongoing risk assessments, vulnerability analysis, and actionable recommendations for the county’s digital assets.

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Plan for Local Government

FRSecure’s engagement will focus on annual vulnerability and risk assessments—critical tools for identifying weak points in Brown County’s IT systems. These assessments are designed to function much like financial audits, holding the county accountable and ensuring progress in addressing cybersecurity risks year over year. The agreement also includes detailed final reports with strategic recommendations, enabling county leadership to make informed decisions on strengthening their digital defenses.

Brown County IT Director Nathan Beran explained the value of third-party evaluations:

“Cyber security is one of our top risks and is something we’re always working on. Just like our financials, it’s pretty important to have a disinterested, 3rd-party do an audit, evaluate our operation and make sure we’re using best practices to do everything.”

The new agreement builds on a previous successful engagement with FRSecure in 2019, and leverages the Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative contract to secure favorable pricing and expertise.

Local Support and Regional Impact

The board’s decision has been met with strong support from local officials and IT staff, who emphasize the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in the face of increasing threats to public sector networks. County Administrator Sam Hansen highlighted the advantages of a multi-year term, underscoring the value of sustained vigilance and continuity in cybersecurity strategy.

While the move has yet to capture national headlines, it is already generating discussion across southern Minnesota among government and IT professionals. Regional leaders are recognizing the importance of such proactive investments, especially as cyberattacks on public infrastructure become more frequent and sophisticated.

Broader Context: Rising Cyber Threats and New Legal Requirements

This agreement comes at a time of significant change for Minnesota’s data security landscape. The Minnesota Consumer Data Privacy Act took effect on July 31, 2025, mandating new standards for the protection and management of personal data by government entities. Meanwhile, state and federal initiatives—such as the Minnesota Cybersecurity Task Force and recent federal cybersecurity policies—are raising the bar for public sector cyber resilience.

With this agreement, Brown County positions itself at the forefront of local government cybersecurity, demonstrating a commitment to protecting the public’s information and the integrity of critical services.