Building Cybersafe Communities

Ryan Burns and Mike Bell

Welcome to Building Cybersafe Communities, the podcast where government cybersecurity takes center stage! Brought to you by the Texas Municipal League Risk Pool's Cyber Squad, we’re here to help local governments in Texas navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, protect critical data, and foster a culture of cyber resilience.  Each episode, we’ll dive into the latest cybersecurity trends, explore best practices, and share real-world stories from experts and public officials on the front lines of digital defense. Whether you’re an IT professional, a city leader, or just someone curious about safeguarding your community, this podcast is your go-to guide for staying ahead of cyber threats.  So join us as we get started on building a safer, stronger, and more connected community!

  1. APR 2

    Ep. 13: Anatomy of a Cyber Incident Response

    In this episode of Building Cybersafe Communities, Ryan Burns and Mike Bell welcome special guests Rebecca Pollack, Senior Cyber Claims Counsel, and Joe Hoosech, Principal of Digital Forensics and Incident Response, from Cowbell Cyber.  The discussion revolves around what happens during a cyber event and how the services provided by your cyber coverage can assist you in mitigation, response, and recovery.   Want to learn more about services available to TML Risk Pool Members?  Reach out to the Cyber Squad at cybersquad@tmlirp.org.

    38 min

  2. MAR 11

    Ep. 12: Services Available to TML Risk Pool Members through Cowbell Resiliency Services

    In this episode of Building Cybersafe Communities, Ryan Burns and Mike Bell welcome special guest, Matthieu Chan Tsin.  Matthieu is the Sr. VP and General Manager of Resiliency Services at Cowbell.  They discuss services available to TML Risk Pool Members through the Cyber Program provided by Cowbell. You can contact Matthieu at crs@cowbellcyber.ai for more information or to explore complimentary services available to Texas Municipal League Risk Pool Members, contact the Cyber Squad at 512-491-2300 or email cybersquad@tmlirp.org.

    22 min

  3. 10/15/2025

    Ep. 11: Cyber Resources Available from UT-San Antonio CIAS, with Special Guest, Natalie Sjelin.

    In this episode of Building Cybersafe Communities, Ryan Burns and Mike Bell welcome special guest, Natalie Sjelin, Director of the UTSA Center for Infrastructure Assurance and Security (CIAS). Natalie discusses CIAS’s mission to build cyber-resilient communities through training for technical and non-technical staff and introduces the Community Cybersecurity Clinic (C4). Through C4, vetted UTSA students—under professional supervision—provide no-cost services such as reputation and information-leakage searches, helping local governments and other organizations strengthen their cybersecurity posture while also developing the next generation of cyber professionals. You can contact Natalie at natalie.sjelin@utsa.edu. For more information or to explore complimentary services available to Texas Municipal League Risk Pool Members, contact the Cyber Squad at 512-491-2300 or email cybersquad@tmlirp.org.

    18 min

  4. 09/26/2025

    Ep. 10: Cyber Resources Available From UT-Austin With Special Guest, Cam Beasley

    In this episode of Building Cybersafe Communities, Ryan Burns and Mike Bell welcome special guest, Cam Beasley, CISO at UT-Austin. Cam shares insights on higher-ed cybersecurity and introduces two no-cost services available to TMLIRP members: Dorkbot, a tool that scans the dark web for exposed credentials, and application vulnerability scanning to help identify security weaknesses before attackers do. He also highlights the Regional Security Operations Center (RSOC), which provides around-the-clock, no-cost monitoring services to strengthen defenses for public-sector organizations.  You can contact Cam and his team at rsoc@utexas.edu. For more information or to explore complimentary services available to Texas Municipal League Risk Pool Members, contact the Cyber Squad at 512-491-2300 or email cybersquad@tmlirp.org.

    17 min
  5. Ep. 9: Fire Drills for Cyber Disasters – Do You Pass the Test?

    04/01/2025

    Ep. 9: Fire Drills for Cyber Disasters – Do You Pass the Test?

    Planning to fail?  Probably not.  But failing to plan might be the same thing.  In this episode, the Cyber Squad talks about the importance of having a disaster recovery plan and practicing the plan using a tabletop exercise.   Need help?  Here are some great resources:  https://www.cisa.gov/resources-tools/services/cisa-tabletop-exercise-packages, https://www.cisecurity.org/ms-isac/tabletop-exercises-ttx, https://dir.texas.gov/resource-library-item/dir-cirt-royal-tabletop-exercise   TML Risk Pool Members can email cybersquad@tmlirp.org or call 512-491-2300 to utilize the our free cyber-related services.

    18 min
  6. Ep. 8: Five Questions Every City Leader Should Be Asking Their IT and Their Staff

    03/17/2025

    Ep. 8: Five Questions Every City Leader Should Be Asking Their IT and Their Staff

    In this episode, city and organizational leaders are guided through five essential questions to assess their cybersecurity and information security programs. These questions include: Do we maintain a comprehensive inventory?Are we implementing multi-factor authentication?Have we established an electronic funds transfer policy?Are our training efforts sufficient?Do we have a incident response plan in place?By addressing these questions, leaders can initiate critical discussions to uncover potential gaps and vulnerabilities that, with strategic attention, can yield significant improvements. For more information or to explore complimentary services available to Texas Municipal League Risk Pool Members, contact the Cyber Squad at 512-491-2300 or email cybersquad@tmlirp.org.

    22 min
  7. Ep. 7: Planning for the Unexpected

    01/09/2025

    Ep. 7: Planning for the Unexpected

    Is your world secure? Find out now by conducting a business impact analysis, business continuity plan, and incident response plan. You can also schedule an on-site or virtual Cyber Squad visit today through your Risk Management Advisor, by calling 512-491-2300, or by emailing cybersquad@tmlirp.org.

    20 min
  8. Ep. 6: Cyber Squad Services

    12/02/2024

    Ep. 6: Cyber Squad Services

    Cyber Squad Services: Hear about the no-cost services provided to TML Risk Pool Members by the Cyber Squad, as well as information on obtaining a .gov domain, and the recent TikTok ban.  TML Risk Pool Members, is your community secure?  Find out now by scheduling an on-site or virtual Cyber Squad visit today by calling 512-491-2300, or by emailing cybersquad@tmlirp.org.  Link to Cyber Squad services:  https://info.tmlirp.org/cyber-liability Link to information on how to obtain a .gov domain: https://get.gov/ Link to Texas DIR information and policy on prohibited technologies:  https://dir.texas.gov/information-security/cybersecurity-incident-management-and-reporting

    25 min
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About

Welcome to Building Cybersafe Communities, the podcast where government cybersecurity takes center stage! Brought to you by the Texas Municipal League Risk Pool's Cyber Squad, we’re here to help local governments in Texas navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape, protect critical data, and foster a culture of cyber resilience.  Each episode, we’ll dive into the latest cybersecurity trends, explore best practices, and share real-world stories from experts and public officials on the front lines of digital defense. Whether you’re an IT professional, a city leader, or just someone curious about safeguarding your community, this podcast is your go-to guide for staying ahead of cyber threats.  So join us as we get started on building a safer, stronger, and more connected community!

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Burns and Mike Bell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Building Cybersafe Communities
  • Show Website
    Building Cybersafe Communities