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The current cybersecurity landscape: Navigating threats and safeguarding local government operations

Local governments in the United States faced a surge in cyber threats during the latter half of 2023, with over 160 cybersecurity incidents impacting the State, Local, and Education (SLED) sectors. Alarming statistics reveal that many of these incidents were ransomware attacks (45%) and data breaches (37%). As custodians of vast amounts of personal and private information, local governments are entrusted with safeguarding sensitive data against evolving cyber threats.

The urgency of cybersecurity incident readiness becomes paramount in this landscape, where the consequences of breaches extend beyond operational disruptions. Protecting sensitive data is not just a matter of legal compliance; it is crucial for preserving privacy and upholding public trust. A breach can lead to severe legal consequences and reputational damage. Demonstrating a commitment to robust cybersecurity practices not only safeguards sensitive information but also enhances confidence in state and local government reassuring community stakeholders that their data is secure.

Operational continuity is equally critical, as local governments play a vital role in delivering essential services to communities. Cybersecurity incidents have the potential to disrupt operations, causing service outages and delays. Therefore, the importance of effective incident readiness cannot be overstated, as it helps to maintain the uninterrupted delivery of crucial services and fortifies the resilience of local governments in the face of escalating cyber threats.

Understanding cybersecurity incident preparedness

Cybersecurity incident preparedness refers to the strategic and proactive measures taken by local government entities to anticipate, prevent, and respond effectively to potential cybersecurity incidents. It encompasses a comprehensive approach to identifying, mitigating, and recovering from security breaches, emphasizing readiness to navigate a dynamic and evolving threat landscape.

The significance of cybersecurity incident preparedness for local government entities is paramount. As custodians of sensitive citizen data and critical operational functions, local governments face unique challenges in safeguarding information and ensuring uninterrupted service delivery. Incident preparedness acts as a shield, fortifying these entities against the growing sophistication of cyber threats. It not only protects against data breaches and operational disruptions but also serves as a cornerstone for building public trust.

Local governments encounter unique challenges in the cybersecurity domain, ranging from resource constraints to the intricate nature of public service operations. Cyber threats pose a potential impact that extends beyond financial losses, including legal consequences, reputational damage, and the erosion of public confidence. This section explores these challenges in-depth, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of cybersecurity incidents and the critical need for preparedness in mitigating their impact. 

To learn more on why government agencies should consider outsourcing to a security service provider read this  brief written by The Center for Digital Government with input from AT&T Cybersecurity on Incident Readiness and Response. 

To see how AT&T Cybersecurity helps organizations with incident preparedness click here.