Title
Vote to approve a three-year agreement with EPlus for Palo Alto for hardware and software for a firewall monitoring system, under NC State Contract 204X for $51,024.59
Abstract
Introduction & Background: Chatham County IT currently utilizes Palo Alto firewalls to protect the county network. We are looking to replace existing ageing equipment to better secure the County’s network with a centralized console to manage and implement security changes. Having a centrally managed platform will allow for timely updates and utilize Palo Alto’s advanced AI protection software suite to provide high-level monitoring and management of threat detection and response. This platform enables the County to maintain a high standard of cybersecurity through this scalable solution. The IT Department recommends upgrading the firewall hardware with maintenance and management software for a period of three years, as in the proposed agreement.
Discussion & Analysis: Palo Alto Precision AI Security Bundle, Panorama management software:
Precision AI software
• Leverages machine learning for a more accurate and automatic prediction, prevention, and remediation of security problems.
• Deep learning anticipates security issues
• Generative AI, for summarization of large data volumes of threat intelligence
• Treat detection and Prevention in Real Time analyzes network traffic in line and instantly stops known, unknown, and highly invasive threats to the County.
• Advanced treat prevention, to stop exploits, malware, spyware, command and control threats, zero-day attacks
• Website filtering to ensure safe access to web
Panorama Management suite
• Create groups and hierarchies of administration policies to remote sites, such as those not directly connected to Chatham County’s fiber network.
• Provide centralized visibility across County Infrastructure.
• Deploy and update rules across sites, reducing attack surface and improving security posture
• Automation of log filtering and automated actions to Security operations center (Attic Wolf)
How does this relate to the Comprehensive Plan: Implementing updated firewall hardware with advanced systems software, with a central management platform directly supports Chatham County's commitment to resiliency as outlined in Plan Chatham’s Goal Eight. This service enhances our ability to mitigate, respond to, and adapt to evolving cyber threats, thereby safeguarding County operations and data.
Budgetary Impact: The cost of the service is $51,024.59. This is a three-year recurring cost in the IT budget.
Recommendation/Motion: Motion to approve a three-year agreement with EPlus for Palo Alto for hardware and software for a firewall monitoring system, under NC State Contract 204X for $51,024.59.