The responsibilities shouldered by city, town, county, and township government leaders are vast and ever-growing. From providing essential services to residents, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, the scope of their duties is expansive. Adding to these challenges, leaders are now tasked with ensuring that their IT and cybersecurity systems meet stringent standards.
Download the guide: NIST 2.0 Guide for Local Government
This shift has brought both challenges and opportunities:
The Challenge
Historically, local government leaders often lacked the necessary tools and training to verify if their cybersecurity measures were adequate. This gap in resources and knowledge has had significant consequences. Despite increasing awareness of cyber threats over the past decade, the results have been troubling. According to Forbes and the ITRC Annual Data Breach Report, “2023 saw a 72% increase in data breaches since 2021, which held the previous all-time record1,2.”
The Opportunity
Fortunately, tools are available to help leaders navigate these challenges. The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a crucial resource for organizations of all sizes and sectors, including local governments. Developed through collaboration between government and industry experts, the NIST CSF provides comprehensive guidelines for managing cybersecurity risks.
Originally created to strengthen cybersecurity in critical infrastructure sectors, the framework’s scope has broadened with the release of NIST CSF 2.0. This updated version addresses the evolving threats and needs of all organizations, including those with limited cybersecurity resources, such as smaller local governments. The NIST CSF is an accessible and invaluable tool that empowers leaders to take control of their IT and cybersecurity systems with greater confidence.
Getting Started
To assist you in enhancing your cybersecurity standards, we’ve included a guide: NIST 2.0 Guide for Local Government
Moving Forward
Improving your local government organization’s cybersecurity is an ongoing journey that requires consistent effort. Regular reviews and progress tracking are essential to closing the gaps in your defenses. The final page of our guide provides an easy-to-use checklist to help you monitor your organization’s progress.
While implementing advanced measures takes time, we recommend prioritizing the following activities:
- Utilize Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Implement MFA for all systems, including email and banking, to add an extra layer of security.
- Invest in Cybersecurity Awareness Training: Ensure all team members receive training to recognize and respond to cyber threats. (Contact LEAP to learn how to sign up for free licenses.)
- Conduct Annual Cybersecurity Assessments: Regular assessments help identify vulnerabilities and areas for improvement.
- Adopt Best Practice Technologies: Implement solutions such as Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) and data backup systems to safeguard your operations.
- Incorporate the NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Integrate the NIST CSF into your daily operations to maintain a robust cybersecurity posture.
By prioritizing these actions, you can significantly enhance your organization’s cybersecurity and better protect the community you serve. If the experts at Leap Managed IT can assist your organization in anyway, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
For more insights, you can refer to these sources:
– 1 Forbes Cybersecurity Statistics
– 2 2023 ITRC Data Breach Report
