Web security will always be an important issue and concern regarding government agencies adaptation to a digital media. Web developers continue emerging strategies to protect sensitive data and reduce security risks. It is important to take extra measures to prevent parameter manipulations, develop effective authentication and authorization strategies; the list goes on and on. When it comes to a digital adaptation, the government seeks to build and utilize cost effective, hack-resilient web applications and programs. In a previous Mashable article titled, 10 Reasons Why City Governments Should Embrace Hackathons, we can see how New York City embraces a creative, positive outlook to gain assistance from New Yorks brightest developers. The article was written by Rachel Sterne, whose main job as the Chief Digital Officer for the City of New York, is to asses and improve the city government’s digital strategy.
On the contrary to the malicious reputation the term “hacking” carries, Hackathons are typically aimed towards building and improving programs and applications through collaborative group efforts. Typically, most Hackathons last several days- to a week. Reinvent NYC.GOV, the city’s first Hackathon, originated from the initial feedback and suggestions regarding online records, navigation and search features for New York City’s government website. The Mashable article includes 10 reasons why New York City was hosting the Hackathon and the benefits the event would contribute. The first reason states that, “It will bridge sectors and connect the government and technology communities around a shared challenge.” This is evidence that we are in the midst a digital revolution where developers, designers, marketers, US government agencies, corporations and small business are able to pool resources to improve a digital roadmap for generations to come.
Magic Logix is a GSA certified company, allowing us to provide web-based marketing to government agencies. As a marketing professional, in a digital marketing company, I find it inspiring to see people like Rachel Sterne taking the proper steps to improve the digital reach in NYC. Digital Media is a great way to expand our reach and get connected in ways that were not possible before. Rachel and her team spent 90 days compiling a 60-page report on New York City’s digital reach and their plans for improvement. You can read more information at the Road Map for the Digital City. Have any inspiring stories to share, where leaders stepped up in their community? Feel free to leave us a comment!
