NEW ULM — After a brief discussion Tuesday, Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a cyber security program low bid that will assess cybersecurity risks, analyze online systems by evaluating security and exposure, identify vulnerabilities and provide ongoing support for up to three years.

Planned to begin in 2026, the project’s low bid of $17,925 a year was proposed by FRSecure and approved. Clifton Larson Allen also presented a project bid.

“Cyber security is one of our stop 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. I’ve been through these vulnerability and risk assessments many times before. It’s a very valuable tool for the board to evaluate how IT is doing,” said Brown County IT Director Nathan Beran.

He said FRSecure had the lower bid using the MnCCC (Minnesota Counties Computer Cooperative) contract for a three-year engagement.

Beran said an annual vulnerability and risk assessment would be done this year, is a critical part of cybersecurity because it reveals weak points and helps hold Brown County accountable, showing how it addresses issues over time.

He said the project was budgeted at $22,500 in 2025. It includes a final report with detailed recommendations to address specific findings for Brown County to create and execute a strategic plan to improve cybersecurity.

“We did an evaluation with FRSecure in 2019. People were happy with it. FRSecure does this for a lot of cities and counties. They are pretty well known in the industry. Generally, these (projects) are done on a yearly basis, like a financial audit,” said Beran.

“I believe a three-year term is better for us,” said Brown County Administrator Sam Hansen.

Unanimous approval followed a motion by Commissioner Brian Braun, seconded by Dave Borchert.