NILES — City Council approved a new policy Wednesday to boost online security and fight cyberattacks, complying with a state law intended to protect local governments.

The move comes as Ohio cities work to meet House Bill 96, a rule that went into effect in September.

The law requires the local officials to create cybersecurity programs by Jan. 1, 2026. These plans will be to safeguard city data and computers from threats such as ransomware, where hackers lock up files and demand money to unlock them, or phishing scams that trick people through fake emails.

Niles Director Phil Zuzulo said the policy, put together by city staff and the IT team, focuses on basics like changing passwords often and training workers to spot dangers. “It’s to ensure we’re doing our best to guard against those types of threats,” Zuzulo said. Details of the plan aren’t public.

The law also sets rules for reporting cyber incidents.

Cities must report to state officials within days if there’s a big breach that steals data or disrupts services. Plus, councils can’t pay ransomware demands without a special vote explaining why it’s best for the city.

The approval is not related to, but comes amid reported issues the Trumbull County Recorder’s Office faced over the weekend that temporarily suspended all e-filings and access to public information due to an “internet-type breach involving a third-party provider.” The county auditor’s office said during a commissioners meeting this week that the matter was being investigated.

In other business:

• Niles Mayor Steven Mientkiewicz asked council members and those in attendance to join in a moment of silence for former Mayor Thomas Scarnecchia. At age 84, Scarnecchia died Friday. He had been elected mayor of Niles in 2016 and served until he retired in 2018.

• Mientkiewicz also presented the 2025 Niles McKinley girls soccer team with a proclamation after another strong season, finishing 20-1-1.

• Legislation that would’ve allowed the city’s Community Improvement Corporation to lease a vacant lot on Third Street to Von Isley Estate was tabled. The deal includes an option to buy for the estate as they look to grow their business. Council members tabled it, meaning they’ll discuss it again in the coming weeks.