Frequently asked questions

How can Top Dog IT help my library meet E-rate program requirements?

CIPA (Children’s Internet Protection Act) is a federal requirement for any library or school that receives discounts for Internet access or internal connections through the E-rate program.

To be compliant, your library must:

  • Implement a Technology Protection Measure: A specific "Next-Gen" filtering solution (like the ones we deploy) that blocks visual depictions of material that is obscene, child pornography, or harmful to minors.

  • Adopt an Internet Safety Policy: This must address the safety of minors when using email and other forms of direct electronic communication.

  • Monitor Online Activities: You must have the technical capability to oversee the online activities of minors.

 

What should I look for in a public Wi-Fi security solution?

Public Wi-Fi is a massive liability if not handled correctly. We recommend:

  • Client Isolation: Preventing patrons from seeing or "talking" to other devices on the same network.

  • Bandwidth Throttling: Ensuring one "power user" doesn't crash the system for everyone else.

  • Content Filtering: Keeping your public space professional and CIPA-compliant.

  • Encrypted Guest Access: Providing a layer of security even on "open" networks to protect patron traffic.

 

How do you protect patron data and privacy?"

Public Wi-Fi is a massive liability if not handled correctly. We recommend:

  • Client Isolation: Preventing patrons from seeing or "talking" to other devices on the same network.

  • Bandwidth Throttling: Ensuring one "power user" doesn't crash the system for everyone else.

  • Content Filtering: Keeping your public space professional and CIPA-compliant.

  • Encrypted Guest Access: Providing a layer of security even on "open" networks to protect patron traffic.

 

What is CJIS compliance and why does my municipality need it?

CJIS (Criminal Justice Information Services) compliance is mandatory for any municipal department, especially Law Enforcement, that accesses the FBI’s CJI data. If you handle fingerprints, criminal backgrounds, or license plate data, you must meet strict encryption and access control standards. TopDogIT ensures your servers, mobile data terminals (MDTs), and cloud backups meet these rigid federal security audits.

 

How can you help with BS&A software support?

We know BS&A is the lifeblood of Michigan and Indiana municipalities. While we aren't the software developers, we are the infrastructure experts who make it run. We handle:

  • Database Management: Ensuring your BS&A server is optimized for speed and properly backed up.

  • Remote Access: Setting up secure VPNs so staff can access BS&A modules safely from the field or home.

  • Troubleshooting: Working directly with BS&A support on your behalf to resolve connectivity or permission issues.

 

What should a municipal disaster recovery plan include?

A plan isn't a plan if it's not tested. We build "Resilient Cities" by focusing on:

  • Off-Site/Cloud Air-Gapping: Keeping a copy of your data in an immutable cloud state that ransomware can't touch.

  • RTO & RPO Targets: Defining exactly how fast you need to be back online (Recovery Time Objective) after a failure.

  • Continuity of Government: Ensuring emergency services and utilities stay operational even if City Hall is physically inaccessible.