FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CLIFTON, NJ — October 22, 2026 — Clifton City Council candidate Tafari Anderson is calling for a comprehensive municipal cybersecurity and technology modernization strategy to protect sensitive information, maintain essential services, and strengthen financial accountability.
Municipal information systems support critical functions including finance, payroll, public records, permitting, communications, and public safety operations. Cybersecurity weaknesses can expose confidential information, disrupt services, and create unexpected recovery costs.
“Cybersecurity is a public safety and taxpayer protection responsibility,” Anderson stated. “City Hall must treat the security of its information systems with the same seriousness as roads, bridges, and emergency infrastructure.”
Anderson proposes an independent cybersecurity risk assessment aligned with established security standards, followed by a prioritized remediation plan.
His recommendations include mandatory multifactor authentication, stronger access controls, network segmentation, employee security training, secure backup procedures, and regularly tested disaster-recovery capabilities.
The proposal also calls for a formal incident-response plan that identifies departmental responsibilities, reporting requirements, recovery priorities, and coordination with appropriate state and federal cybersecurity partners.
“Technology investments must be based on demonstrated needs and measurable improvements, not expensive purchases without a long-term strategy,” Anderson added.
Anderson recommends establishing a multiyear technology replacement schedule, transparent procurement requirements, vendor security standards, and regular performance reporting to the City Council.
Any public reporting should protect sensitive technical information that could expose municipal systems to additional risks.
“Clifton deserves technology that works reliably, protects residents’ information, and delivers value for every taxpayer dollar,” Anderson concluded.
Media Contact:
Media Team
Phone: 201-888-4846
Email: AndersonforClifton@Gmail.com
Website: https://AndersonforClifton.com
Paid for by Friends for Tafari Anderson.