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Each municipality is unique and must understand the various threats and potential impacts inherent in their organization to effectively respond to cyber attacks. A good starting point for preventing cyber attacks and developing comprehensive municipal cybersecurity programs is to develop a basic understanding of all network and system vulnerabilities. Local governments cannot see cybersecurity as just an IT issue or problem.
The rapid expansion of mobile devices, apps, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is impacting nearly every industry and aspect of lifestyle, including local governments. Technological advances are transforming local governments of all sizes and locations, increasing transparency and streamlining operations. The use of a wide range of digital and electronic innovations has increased the efficiency of government services, affecting all local government employees, from tax clerks and assessors to firefighters and police officers. The Internet enables digital systems, people, and devices to connect, making various aspects of local government more efficient and accessible. Most municipalities now have websites that allow residents to interact with local governments online, and some municipalities allow residents to pay property taxes, utilities, or other municipal services online.
With the proliferation of digital technologies such as mobile apps, sensors, and the Internet of Things, municipalities are becoming “smarter,” connecting systems, people, and devices to improve infrastructure, efficiency, and resident comfort. Many municipalities have begun investing in “smart” technology, and municipalities that are not necessarily “smart cities” are evaluating how technology can be used to improve services and reduce costs.
However, the advantages of technology can also have disadvantages for municipalities. As local governments become more sophisticated, use Internet-connected systems, and provide more local government services online, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. When the work of various municipalities uses smart technology that is connected to a computer network or the Internet, municipalities often cannot secure the technology before implementation. Without proper security protocols, hackers can easily exploit city systems by taking control of computer servers and disrupting public services from traffic lights to water quality.
Cyber attacks on municipalities are becoming more common, more complex and more serious. Cybersecurity is becoming more imperative as more local governments embrace new technologies and provide services that are integrated with online networks. Cities and towns across the country are being targeted by cybercriminals, national governments, and hackers looking for ways to minimize resistance by exploiting vulnerabilities in local government computer networks.
911 dispatch system was hit by ransomware, causing automatic dispatch to be temporarily disabled. The city was able to temporarily put the 911 computer system into manual mode and continue to operate without interruption. The system was fully restored within 17 hours.
City networks are attractive targets for cybercriminals, especially given the vast amounts of property tax information, social security numbers, taxes and voter records they hold and maintain regarding their infrastructure and residents. Sensitive data makes them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In addition, the law requires governments to ensure transparency. Open government has made it easier for citizens to access public records and information, and it has made it easier for cybercriminals to abuse public systems containing sensitive information.
Local governments retain sensitive and personally identifiable information and are responsible for protecting that information. As widespread data breaches continue to be talked about, local governments must prioritize cybersecurity. All cities and towns, regardless of size, are at risk of cyber attacks. To respond to the evolving threats and tactics of cybercriminals, municipalities must be proactive and proactive in their cybersecurity.
Another reason why local governments are considered a prime target by hackers is that unlike private companies, they are not ready for attacks. Municipalities typically have limited budgets to upgrade their networks and security systems, often use older technologies, and implement systematic safeguards to protect them from the ever-increasing threat of cyberattacks.
Municipalities increasingly face increased cybersecurity risk and risk as more connected devices and the public rely on open Internet connections, but few have the network management resources to mitigate it.
As new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and SCADA networks come online, the scale of vulnerabilities in public sector networks continues to grow. Cyber best practices are needed to ensure security and continuity, but the reality of budget constraints, lack of in-house expertise, and limited cyber attack preparedness tools make progress extremely difficult.
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