Polk County, Florida, is buzzing with activities this weekend, offering residents and visitors a variety of events to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, community involvement, or family-friendly entertainment, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of some must-attend events happening on March 15-16, 2025.
Biodiversity Bingo Buggy Tour
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM Location: The Nature Conservancy’s Tiger Creek Preserve, Babson Park, FL Take a guided buggy tour through the stunning Tiger Creek Preserve and participate in an interactive game of biodiversity bingo. This event is perfect for nature lovers who want to learn more about Florida’s diverse ecosystem.
Community Litter Clean-Up
Date & Time: Saturday, March 15, 2025, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Location: Lake Wales Family Recreation Center, Lake Wales, FL Join fellow community members in beautifying the city by participating in a local litter clean-up. Supplies will be provided, and volunteers of all ages are encouraged to help keep Polk County clean and green.
International Market World
Date & Time: Friday to Sunday, March 14-16, 2025, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 1052 US-92, Auburndale, FL Explore one of Central Florida’s largest flea markets, featuring over 1,200 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to antiques. Enjoy live entertainment, including alligator shows and music performances.
Polk Senior Games
Date: Ongoing through March 16, 2025 Location: Various venues across Polk County The Polk Senior Games feature a range of athletic and recreational competitions, offering seniors the opportunity to stay active and engaged in a fun and supportive environment.
Forever Elvis ‘73
Date & Time: Sunday, March 16, 2025, 7:00 PM Location: Polk Theatre, Lakeland, FL Experience an unforgettable tribute to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll as five-time World Champion Elvis Presley Tribute Artist Dwight Icenhower brings the 50s, 60s, and 70s eras of Elvis to life. This performance promises to be a must-see for Elvis fans and music lovers alike. Visit polktheatre.org for tickets and more information.
Detroit Tigers Spring Training Games
Date & Time:
Saturday, March 15, 2025, 1:05 PM
Opponent: Philadelphia Phillies
Location: BayCare Ballpark, Clearwater, FL
Sunday, March 16, 2025, 1:05 PM
Opponent: Baltimore Orioles
Location: Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium, Lakeland, FL
Baseball fans can catch the Detroit Tigers in action during their Spring Training games this weekend. On Saturday, they face the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater. On Sunday, they return home to Lakeland to play against the Baltimore Orioles. For ticket information and the complete Spring Training schedule, visit the official Detroit Tigers Spring Training page.
With a variety of activities happening this weekend, Polk County promises an exciting time for all. Be sure to check event details and any registration requirements before attending. Enjoy your weekend!
At 10:22 a.m. on Wednesday March 12, Curtis Gibson, a local political candidate, attempted to contact Daily Ridge regarding concerns over campaign advertising rates. Due to a prior engagement, a Daily Ridge representative responded via text, indicating a callback would follow. At 11:00 a.m., the call was returned, lasting approximately 18 minutes.
During the conversation, Gibson alleged that Daily Ridge provided his campaign team with a different political rate sheet than the one sent to the Hilligoss Campaign. Additionally, he claimed that Daily Ridge began promoting the Hilligoss campaign prior to receiving payment. In response, Daily Ridge reaffirmed its commitment to treating all candidates fairly, emphasizing that all campaign teams received the same rate sheet and advertising opportunities.
LWD 2025 Campaign Rate Sheet
To clarify, Daily Ridge advised Gibson that digital records validate that both the Gibson and Hilligoss campaigns received the same rate sheet within hours of each other. The Hilligoss team opted for the “Victory Package” on February 14 and requested a prorated rate due to the election timeline. In response, the rate was reduced from $1,200 to $1,000. An invoice was sent, promptly paid, and the campaign’s advertisement was displayed on the website on February 16.
Hilligoss Invoice
Gibson contested this, stating that records he obtained showed the Hilligoss campaign only paid $100. Daily Ridge refuted this, explaining that the invoice was for $1,000 and paid in full, suggesting that a clerical error might have occurred in the reported expenditure. When Gibson continued to challenge the accuracy of this information, he was advised that any further disputes would need to be handled through legal channels. Daily Ridge stressed that it had provided the truth and supporting evidence, yet Gibson continued to push false claims and double down on serious legal accusations.
Hilligoss Campaign Treasurer Report published by Gibson Team
Additionally, it was noted that Gibson’s campaign committed to a $600 advertising package on February 19, for which an invoice was sent. However, no payment or signed contract was received from his team. The invoice was ultimately withdrawn on March 3 due to non-payment. Gibson stated he would pay if he received the same $100 rate as Hilligoss, which was again refuted as misinformation.
Gibson Invoice
Another point of contention arose when Gibson requested a podcast interview, citing fairness. It was explained that the interview was part of the Victory Package that Hilligoss purchased, and similar opportunities were available to any campaign that opted for the package. Paid Political Ad Podcast can be found here: Chattin on the Ridge
Later in the day, at approximately 6:47 p.m., a Daily Ridge reader alerted the company to a social media post by Danielle Pride, a member of Gibson’s political team. Pride questioned the discrepancy in advertising costs, implying potential price gouging. This post came hours after the conversation where Daily Ridge believed concerns had been addressed.
At 7:18 p.m., Pride followed up with another post, suggesting that either a lie or clerical error had occurred regarding campaign expenditures. These public statements, along with comments from the community, raised concerns at Daily Ridge regarding potential damage to its reputation and business relationships.
Daily Ridge remains committed to transparency and fair treatment of all political candidates. The company urges any party with concerns to seek direct clarification rather than fueling public speculation that could harm its standing in the community.
Follow-up: The Hilligoss Campaign team contacted Daily Ridge on March 13,Thursday morning, confirming that the discrepancy in their campaign expenditure report was indeed a clerical error on their side. The Hilligoss team has already submitted an amended report to the city clerk and has apologized for the mistake.
“In 2025, Bartow anticipates the completion of several capital improvement projects, including the new fire substation, public works facilities and parks facility improvements,” said Mike Herr. Herr became city manager of the county seat of Polk in January 2023. He had previously served as county manager and city manager of Winter Haven. “The city also plans to implement a fine-free library and acquire new equipment for parks and recreation.”
It’s also excited about two other things coming up in 2025:
The multi-jurisdictional transportation corridor, which aims to enhance transportation and connectivity within the city.
The updating of the comprehensive plan for the City of Bartow. The plan “describes the city’s vision; translates that vision into policies, programs and public investments; and promotes technical coordination between specialists to ensure the rational and efficient scheduling of physical improvements,” according to the city’s website. It was last updated in 2020, which takes it through 2030. According to Florida law, every city must have such a plan, and it must be updated at least once every seven years.
City of Bartow Goals for 2025
The City of Bartow‘s goals for 2025 include maintaining and enhancing infrastructure, creating cleaner and safer neighborhoods, maximizing the use of technology and becoming an employer of choice, Herr said.
The city also aims to collaborate with key partners to spur community vitality and invest in non-profit organizations to improve the social condition for all citizens.
“We are committed to intentional development that benefits all residents of Bartow,” he said. “Our focus is on creating a sustainable and thriving community through strategic planning and collaboration with key partners.”
Challenges
As in other cities, one of Bartow’s main challenges is managing the rising demand for housing and ensuring affordability.
“To tackle these challenges, Bartow is implementing updated impact fees and enterprise fund rates to support infrastructure improvements,” Herr said. “The city is also seeking public-private partnerships to address housing affordability, developing relationships with landowners and streamlining the permitting process to make the development process more aligned.”
Since then, the BEDC has attracted Assure Infusions, a leading manufacturer of intravenous bags and medical infusion devices. Assure built its 60,000-square-foot manufacturing facility – which was designed by The Lunz Group and built by SpringerVoss Construction. They chose Bartow in part because of the city’s strategic location, including its access to major transportation routes for efficient distribution. Elle Withall, President of the BEDC, agreed that working together brings results.
Withall said Assure Infusions’ presence “strengthens Bartow’s manufacturing sector, expanding beyond traditional industries. The Assure Infusions facility represents a multimillion-dollar investment and has created over 150 high-quality jobs in the community, strengthening Bartow’s position in the healthcare manufacturing sector.”
Bartow has also welcomed Skimlite Manufacturing, a producer of professional-grade pool cleaning equipment.
“This addition underscores the city’s commitment to diversifying its industrial base and supporting innovative manufacturers,” Withall said. It also has:
Created more than 60 jobs in manufacturing, engineering and administrative roles.
Given local suppliers and service providers increased business opportunities.
In addition, Skimlite gives back to the community by:
Collaborating with local schools and colleges to offer internships and training programs, fostering talent development.
Participating in community events and supporting local charities.
Addressing Blight
The city and BEDC are continuing to work together to attract business and industry – and more, Herr said.
“Our partnership with the BEDC and the CRA (Community Redevelopment Agency) is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together,” he said. “By addressing areas of blight and promoting best-use recruitment efforts, we are fostering economic development and improving the quality of life for our residents.”
The city is committed to cleaning up the community, making it its No. 1 priority. Its initiative includes:
“Organizing regular community clean-up events to remove litter, debris and overgrown vegetation, and encouraging resident participation to foster community pride and ownership of public spaces,” Herr said.
Strengthening code enforcement, including “enhancing enforcement of property maintenance codes to ensure landlords and property owners maintain their buildings. and addressing abandoned or neglected properties that contribute to blight,” he said.
Investing in parks, sidewalks and public facilities to improve aesthetics and usability.
Grant Programs
In addition, the BEDC and CRA Partnership on Grant Programs are working to improve facades or make structural enhancements of buildings. They are doing that through:
Facade Improvement Grants. These provide businesses and property owners with financial assistance to renovate exteriors, improve signs, replace windows and lighting, and apply fresh paint. The goal, Withall said, is to “revitalize commercial corridors, attract customers and stimulate economic activity.”
Structural Improvement Grants. These offer “funds for significant structural repairs to ensure buildings are safe and up to code and preserve historic structures by aiding in costly restoration efforts.” The goal is to “prevent deterioration that leads to blight and promote the longevity of important community assets,” she said.
The agencies also provide guidance and assistance to those who would like to apply for the grants.
“Our focus is on recruiting development and business, working in conjunction as a team with the city to think outside of the box for new development deals that are proving to be fruitful,” Withall said. “By leveraging our collaborative efforts, we aim to bring innovative and sustainable growth to Bartow.”
Maintaining optimal eye health is crucial for overall well-being, as our eyes play a vital role in how we perceive and interact with the world. Implementing the following strategies can help ensure your vision remains sharp and your eyes stay healthy:
1. Adopt a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Consuming a balanced diet rich in specific nutrients supports eye health:
Fruits and Vegetables: Incorporate deep yellow and green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale, which are high in vitamins and antioxidants beneficial for your eyes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut are excellent sources of omega-3s, which contribute to retinal health.
A healthy diet not only supports eye health but also helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of diabetes—a condition that can lead to diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma.
2. Engage in Regular Physical Activity
Exercise helps prevent or control conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can lead to vision problems. Regular physical activity can lower the risk of developing such eye issues.
3. Protect Your Eyes from Harmful UV Rays
Prolonged sun exposure can increase the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UV-A and UV-B radiation is essential to safeguard your eyes.
4. Use Protective Eyewear
To prevent eye injuries, wear appropriate protective eyewear when engaging in certain sports, working in jobs like factory work and construction, or doing repairs or projects at home.
5. Avoid Smoking
Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related eye diseases such as macular degeneration and cataracts and can damage the optic nerve.
6. Be Aware of Your Family’s Eye Health History
Some eye diseases are hereditary. Knowing your family’s medical history can help determine if you’re at higher risk, allowing for early detection and management.
7. Practice Proper Contact Lens Hygiene
If you wear contact lenses, wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing them, follow cleaning instructions diligently, and replace them as recommended to prevent eye infections.
8. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule to Reduce Eye Strain
Prolonged screen time can lead to digital eye strain. To alleviate this, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This practice helps relax your eye muscles and reduce fatigue.
9. Schedule Regular Comprehensive Eye Exams
Regular eye examinations are crucial for detecting eye diseases early, often before symptoms arise. Adults should have comprehensive dilated eye exams as recommended by their eye care provider, while children typically undergo vision screenings during routine check-ups.
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can significantly contribute to maintaining your eye health and preserving your vision for years to come.
Orlando Health, one of the highest quality hospital systems in the southeastern United States, and Watson Clinic, one of the nation’s most respected physician-led practices, have joined forces to provide exceptional care for the community. The collaboration will be actualized in June 2026 with the opening of the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital.
“By combining our respective strengths, we are able to provide a level of care and service that expands both our capabilities while enhancing patient care,” said Carlos Carrasco, senior vice president, Orlando Health Midwest Region. “Watson Clinic is one of the region’s largest and most established healthcare providers, with over 84 years of deeply rooted history in the community. We’re excited about our alignment with Watson Clinic and the impact it will have on patient care across Florida’s heartland.”
“Watson Clinic is honored to work alongside one of nation’s most respected healthcare organizations on this magnificent project,” said Watson Clinic Chief Executive Officer Jason Hirsbrunner. “This collaboration will provide our devoted patient base with expanded access to the doctors and care they trust most, and it will ensure exceptional healthcare services in our community for generations to come.”
The affiliation will be evident in many areas throughout the hospital. Experts from both organizations have been heavily involved in collaboratively designing the facility, selecting state-of-the-art technologies, and planning the comprehensive services to be offered to serve the community’s needs. On opening day, the Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital will open with more than 300 inpatient beds, 69 emergency and observation beds, 11 working operating rooms, four cardiac and interventional suites and 18 beds in an intensive care unit (ICU) that will serve 36 patients at full build-out.
Obstetric services and accommodations will also be prominent on opening day with eight labor and delivery rooms, two special c-section operating rooms and more than 25 post-partum rooms. A 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will debut shortly after the hospital opens.
“This is one of the largest hospital capital investments Orlando Health has made,” added Mr. Carrasco. “It’s a big commitment to the community. But it’s a big commitment because the community deserves it.”
About Orlando Health: Orlando Health is a private not-for-profit, integrated academic healthcare system with $12 billion of assets under management, that serves the southeastern United States – including Florida and Alabama – and Puerto Rico. With corporate offices in Orlando, Florida the system provides a complete continuum of care across a network of medical centers and institutes, community and specialty hospitals, physician practices, urgent care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, home healthcare, and long-term and behavioral health care services. Founded more than 100 years ago, Orlando Health’s mission is to improve the health and the quality of life of the individuals and communities we serve. The system provided nearly $1.7 billion in community impact in the form of community benefit programs and services, Medicare shortfalls, bad debt, community-building activities and capital investments in FY 23, the most recent period for which the information is available. For more information, visit orlandohealth.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter.)
About Watson Clinic: As one of the largest multispecialty medical clinics in the southeast, Watson Clinic provides comprehensive healthcare services to residents of Lakeland and surrounding communities. First established in 1941, Watson Clinic has grown to include over 200 board-certified physicians representing more than 40 medical and surgical specialties. The Clinic is proud to deliver quality healthcare to every generation from our Main Clinic location at 1600 Lakeland Hills Boulevard in Lakeland, as well as 19 additional convenient locations throughout Polk, Pasco and Hillsborough counties. More information is available at www.WatsonClinic.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.
HAINES CITY – Thanks to Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) Haines City parks will soon be free of harmful cigarette smoke and vaping. Because of the youth-led advocacy group, during the March 10 meeting, Haines City Commissioners passed an Ordinance prohibiting the activities.
During the meeting, the second reading of proposed Ordinance No. 25-2102 passed unanimously. Technically, the ordinance became effective immediately; however, the City plans to post signs within the next two to three weeks. Once the signs are posted, there will be a 30-45-day marketing campaign and grace period to make citizens aware of the ordinance before enforcing it. Signs will be in English and Spanish.
Several months ago, the SWAT group from Ridge Community High School approached the Commission about possibly banning smoking and vaping in public City parks. This came after they also asked the County Commissioners to do the same in County parks and succeeded.
On Nov. 7, 2924, the County created an ordinance authorizing the County Manager to prohibit smoking and vaping in public parks in unincorporated Polk County. “Based on the Board’s direction the initial focus will be on prohibiting smoking and vaping in active parks, such as playgrounds and sports complexes that serve youth sports programs,” according to a County press release.
Once the City begins to enforce the Ordinance, the Commission agreed that common sense must be used.
“It is going to be difficult to enforce but we all need to use common sense,” said Horace West, Vice Mayor and Commissioner. Citizens should call the non-emergency line to report smoking and vaping. For extreme cases, there is a possible $500 maximum fine and 90 days in jail.
On Monday, March 10, 2025 at around 8:40 am, the principal of Ridge Community High School in Haines City, notified the School Resource Deputy at the facility, that she received three phone calls from an unknown male; the first call she heard nothing, the second call she heard, “I have a bomb,” and the third call she heard, “It was a joke.”
The ensuing investigation determined that the phone number belonged to 18-year old Jaimelias Rivera-Rodriguez. Contact was made with Rivera-Rodriguez and he admitted to making the calls. He told the deputy that his friend, 18-year old Ethan Bork gave him the principal’s phone number and told him to call it and say that he had a bomb.
When contact was made with Ethan Bork, he told the deputy that he didn’t know why he gave Jaimelias the principal’s phone number, nor why he told him to say that he had a bomb.
Both suspects were arrested and taken to the Polk County Jail and charged with: False Report of a Bomb (F2), Conspiracy to Commit Offense with Destructive Device (F3), Use of 2-Way Communication Device to Commit Felony (F3), and Make Harassing Phone Call (M2).
“Regardless that there was no bomb, these type of calls are never just a joke. They are not harmless pranks. They are stupid actions that have consequences; they are crimes, and we will find the people who make calls like this and put them in jail, just like we did with these two.” – Grady Judd, Sheriff
Ethan Bork is a student at Ridge Community High School, and Jaimelias River-Rodriguez attended the school last year.
HAINES CITY – School zone speed detection cameras are coming to the city of Haines City and attached to that are $100 tickets for those who exceed the speed limit. That was the informal decision and consensus of the Commissioners at the March 10 City Commission meeting. Although the Commissioners agreed the cameras are a good idea, an official vote, as well, as, the details are still up in the air. Those particulars will be decided at a workshop on April 17.
According to the Memorandum provided to the Commissioners from the Finance Director and the Police Chief, the project aims to “enhance public safety by reducing speeding in school zones.” The goals include installing reliable enforcement systems, improving traffic law compliance, and protecting pedestrians and motorists.
Verra Mobility, the same company that supplies the City’s red-light cameras, will most likely be the source of the school zone speed detection cameras. For reference purposes, from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024, the City earned more than $900,000 from the nearly $3 million collected for red light tickets. Of that, the State received more than $1.3 million, and more than $655,000 was paid in administrative fees and expenses. Verra Mobility will manage effective monitoring and enforcement, according to the same memorandum.
The City will not incur any costs related to the school zone part, as the vendor will be paid from the first two citations from each camera every school day to fulfill the $40 charge. After the first two tickets, the City will retain $54 and Verra Mobility will receive $6.
A Verra Mobility representative was on hand to discuss and explain the process of the camera system to the Commissioners. Ideally, the new cameras will be installed and working on the first day of the 2025-26 school year. Commissioners will also need to decide the times of day speeders will be ticketed. For example, it can be as specific as 30 minutes before school starts and 30 minutes after school ends. They can also set different times for different schools. Other decisions that will be made are the possible locations of the cameras; and the maximum acceptable speed.
At least one other Polk County city, Lake Alfred, has already implemented the school zone speed detection cameras. According to www.mylakealfred.com, effective Nov. 20, 2024, the cameras became operational. Since then, drivers who exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph in school zones with the cameras will be cited for $100.
Commissioners discussed creating a warning period during which violators receive warnings instead of tickets.
Jim Elensky, City Manager, said that the City will advertise the new speed detection camera installation at least 30 days before the cameras are operational and signage will be placed near the zones chosen.
A workshop to discuss the school zone speed detection cameras will be held before the Commission meeting on April 17.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office responded to a two-vehicle collision between a Fed-Ex truck and a motorcycle Monday, March 10, 2025 which resulted in the death of the motorcyclist.
The crash occurred at around 4:30 pm on Tom Costine Road near Ridgeglen Circle West, north of Lakeland.
Upon arrival of first responders, the motorcyclist was unresponsive. He was taken to a local hospital, but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arriving.
The motorcyclist was identified as 28-year old Brandon Michael Bailey of Lakeland.
The driver of the truck was identified as Juan Cruz Rivera, 35, of Poinciana. Mr. Cruz Rivera was not injured, and cooperated with the investigation.
Based on evidence and witness statements, the preliminary investigation indicates that the Fed-Ex truck was traveling east on Tom Costine Road.
Bailey’s 2003 Honda motorcycle was also eastbound, behind the truck, and traveling at a high rate of speed.
As the Fed-Ex truck was making a left turn into a driveway, the motorcycle began passing the truck on the left, against a double-yellow line (no passing zone).
The motorcycle impacted the rear-passenger side of the truck.
Tom Costine Road was closed in both directions for approximately three hours during the investigation, which remains ongoing.
In today’s rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape, the ability to detect cyber threats before they cause significant damage is crucial for any organization. The Detect function within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) provides businesses with guidelines to establish timely detection processes for cybersecurity events. By implementing robust detection capabilities, organizations can identify anomalies, assess security events, and mitigate risks efficiently.
The Importance of the Detect Function
The Detect function plays a critical role in an organization’s cybersecurity strategy by ensuring that security breaches, unauthorized access, and malicious activities are promptly identified. Without effective detection mechanisms, cyber threats can go unnoticed, leading to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
The Detect function focuses on three primary objectives:
Anomalies and Events: Identifying deviations from normal operations that may indicate a security incident.
Security Continuous Monitoring: Implementing ongoing monitoring processes to detect cybersecurity threats in real time.
Detection Processes: Establishing procedures and systems that facilitate swift and effective identification of potential security issues.
Implementing an Effective Detection Strategy
To align with the NIST Detect function, organizations should consider adopting the following best practices:
1. Deploying Advanced Threat Detection Tools
Utilizing intrusion detection systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions helps organizations monitor and analyze network activity. These tools provide insights into potential threats and enable rapid incident response.
2. Leveraging Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) Solutions
A SIEM solution aggregates security logs from various sources, applies real-time analysis, and alerts security teams of potential threats. This centralized approach enhances an organization’s ability to detect and respond to incidents efficiently.
3. Conducting Continuous Monitoring
Organizations must implement continuous security monitoring to detect anomalies and suspicious behavior within their network. Automated monitoring tools can help track unauthorized access, policy violations, and malware activity in real time.
4. Utilizing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
Detect with AI
AI and ML-powered cybersecurity solutions can detect unusual activity by analyzing patterns and predicting potential threats before they materialize. These technologies improve threat intelligence and detection accuracy.
5. Regularly Testing and Updating Detection Mechanisms
Cyber threats are constantly evolving, making it essential for businesses to regularly update detection tools, conduct penetration testing, and assess their security posture to ensure defenses remain effective against emerging threats.
Enhancing Detection with Application Whitelisting
One of the most effective ways to strengthen an organization’s detection capabilities is by leveraging application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized applications from executing within a system. PC Matic Pro provides a robust whitelisting solution that ensures only approved applications can run, reducing the risk of malware infections and zero-day attacks. By integrating application whitelisting into an organization’s security framework, businesses can enhance their ability to detect and prevent malicious activity before it causes harm.
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Conclusion
The Detect function within the NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a fundamental pillar in safeguarding an organization’s digital assets. By implementing advanced threat detection tools, continuous monitoring, SIEM solutions, AI-driven analysis, and application whitelisting with PC Matic Pro, businesses can significantly enhance their ability to identify and mitigate cyber threats before they escalate. Investing in a strong detection strategy is essential for maintaining a resilient and proactive cybersecurity posture.
About the Author:
Kip Kirchberg
Kip Kirchberg is an international cybersecurity expert with extensive experience in building and leading cybersecurity teams, as well as collaborating with Fortune 500 organizations to enhance their security posture.
His expertise includes, but is not limited to:
Developing and implementing SIEM platforms
Endpoint security solutions
Managing third-party remote access securely
Securing industrial control systems (ICS)
Deploying and optimizing next-generation firewalls
Assisting organizations in identifying cybersecurity risks
Generating actionable reports that drive informed security decisions
Building and maintaining incident response teams
Drafting and adopting corporate cybersecurity governance policies
Conducting internal and external penetration testing
With a proven track record in cybersecurity strategy and risk management, Kip is dedicated to helping organizations proactively defend against evolving cyber threats.
