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File #: 2025-0945   
Type: Agenda Item Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 2/21/2025 In control: City Council
On agenda: 3/18/2025 Final action:
Title: Approve a three-year renewal of the online training platform, KnowBe4, with an estimated aggregate expenditure of $95,102
Attachments: 1. FOR COUNCIL - Security Awareness, Compliance Plus and PhishER Subscription 4-2025 to 4-2028 Renewal Term (ITS-190313), 2. Fully Executed - PhishER Subscription 4-2022 to 4-2025 Renewal Term (ITS 190313), 3. Fully Executed - Security Awareness Training 4-2022 to 4-2025 Renewal Term (ITS 190313), 4. 10-19-2021 Council Approval
Date Action ByMotionResultAction DetailsMeeting DetailsVideo
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Submitted By: Christopher Ramos
presenter
Presentation By: Christopher Ramos
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Department: Information Technology

STAFF RECOMMENDATION (Motion Ready):
title
Approve a three-year renewal of the online training platform, KnowBe4, with an estimated aggregate expenditure of $95,102
end

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 reporti...

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