Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
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Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology
STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
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Approve a three-year renewal of the online training platform, KnowBe4, with an estimated aggregate expenditure of $95,102
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
KnowBe4 is a leading provider of security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms. The company helps organizations manage the ongoing problem of social engineering by providing a comprehensive and integrated platform designed to train employees to recognize and avoid cyber threats. With a strong focus on operational excellence, KnowBe4 empowers businesses to improve their security posture through effective education and innovative tools. Their training programs are continuously updated to address the latest tactics used by cybercriminals.
In addition to security awareness training, KnowBe4 offers comprehensive compliance training programs tailored for human resources, helping organizations meet regulatory requirements and enhance employee knowledge on various compliance topics.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
KnowBe4 was initially placed into production in 2016 to provide city-wide security awareness training by the City and Ocala Police Information Technology Departments. In 2022, the Human Resources (HR) Department began utilizing the platform to conduct city-wide HR Compliance training.
Using this platform has been a resounding success. It simplifies employee onboarding and ensures timely assignment of required courses. The platform reduces the need for in-person classes and streamlines reporting of completed courses. Managers and supervisors can use dashboards to view the status of their employees’ training progress.
For security training, KnowBe4 offers ongoing phishing simulations that are sent directly to employee email boxes. Training emphasizes reporting suspected phishing emails that could threaten the City of Ocala. Utilizing the KnowBe4 PhishER system allows information technology staff to triage and remove suspected phishing emails that staff report efficiently.
This renewal will be for the term April 28, 2025 to April 27, 2028. Staff recommends the continued use of this platform to conduct city-wide training.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the renewal are budgeted in account strings 001-035-530-516-51-52045 and 001-018-811-521-52-52045 and will be paid under Munis Contract No. 250475
Year 1:
001-035-530-516-51-52045: $23,924.66
001-018-811-521-52-52045: $7,775.66
Year 2:
001-035-530-516-51-52045: $23,924.66
001-018-811-521-52-52045: $7,775.66
Year 3:
001-035-530-516-51-52045: $23,924.66
001-018-811-521-52-52045: $7,776.20
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
These services were procured in compliance with the City’s Procurement Policy.
LEGAL REVIEW:
The Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny