MONTEREY COUNTY — The County of Monterey has announced a significant upgrade to its online presence with the transition to a new domain name, in compliance with Assembly Bill 1637 (Local Government: Internet Websites and Email Addresses), signed into law by the governor on Oct. 8, 2023.
This transition marks a pivotal step toward bolstering cybersecurity and enhancing accessibility for constituents.
Effective Friday, April 12, the County of Monterey’s public-facing websites will transition from the current domain name, co.monterey.ca.us, to the new domain name, countyofmonterey.gov.
This change is part of the County’s commitment to meeting the rigorous security standards mandated by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), within the Department of Homeland Security, to safeguard online interactions with government entities.
The move to the “.gov” top-level domain name ensures heightened security measures, including enforced multi-factor authentication, exclusive use of Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS) connections, and streamlined processes for addressing potential security concerns.
“By adopting the ‘.gov’ domain name, we reinforce our dedication to protecting the integrity of online services and fostering trust with our community,” the County stated in a news release.
The transition process will be seamless for users. All existing web addresses under the old domain name will automatically redirect to their corresponding pages on the new domain name.
Whether accessing departmental resources, public services or informational content, constituents can expect uninterrupted access and enhanced security across all County of Monterey websites.
“We are committed to leveraging the latest technologies and best practices to ensure the security and accessibility of our online platforms,” said Eric Chatham, chief information officer of the County of Monterey. “This transition to the ‘.gov’ domain name represents a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity and streamline digital interactions with our community.”
In addition to the domain name transition, efforts are underway to establish a shortened URL, further simplifying access to County of Monterey websites. This shortened URL will provide a convenient and memorable gateway to its online resources.
“As we embark on this transition, we remain dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient experience for all users,” the County stated. “In the event of any unforeseen issues, our team will be on standby throughout the weekend to address and resolve them promptly.”
