The fallout from the MOVEit hack continues as more agencies announce breaches
A Colorado health department said recently more than 4 million patients’ data had been accessed. But the real challenge awaits state and local governments as they look to patch vulnerabilities before more criminals exploit them.
Three years since the start of the pandemic, unemployment insurance fraud is still a multibillion dollar problem
Several states have recently reported increases in fraudulent claims. After spending hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade systems, emerging threats are putting pressure on states to modernize even further.
Feds seek help on harmonizing cyber regulations
The White House issued a request for information last month, having previously called for more alignment between various levels of government in its National Cybersecurity Strategy.
Cyber grant program gets a big funding boost
Nearly $375 million, or double the amount of money as last year, has been allocated to a federal initiative looking to help state and local governments address cybersecurity risks.
An underused approach to fighting cyberattacks
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center offers free services to help localities with cybersecurity. Why aren’t more governments using them?
Why computer security guidelines are so unclear
COMMENTARY | Cybersecurity guidelines are often riddled with excessive or confusing information, spurring a need for clearer instructions from trustworthy sources to better mitigate system vulnerabilities.
Public sector slow to respond to cyberattacks, report finds
It takes government agencies more than 225 days to identify a cyber threat and 92 days to contain it, but AI and automation could significantly reduce that time.
US power grid faces escalating cyber threats, infrastructure experts warn
The power grid is experiencing heightened threats from foreign adversaries and domestic extremist groups that can pose devastating consequences for the nation’s supply of electricity.
Creating a framework for secure-by-design software development
COMMENTARY | State and local IT leaders can proactively address potential threats by prioritizing throughout the development process, regularly evaluating data security policies and keeping an inventory of software components.
Don’t fear AI, but prepare for its wider use
Governments should help build a talent pipeline for artificial intelligence jobs, one expert advises.
Louisiana driver’s licenses, auto registrations targeted in massive data breach
The attack targeted a vulnerability in the popular MOVEit file transfer tool.
Why you should consider outcome-based security
Agencies can better align their cybersecurity and business priorities when they have affordable risk management solutions that deliver measurable results.
Lawmakers advocate more funds for state fusion centers
Better information sharing across regions and state lines could help counter growing cyberthreats and help law enforcement collaborate, House members said.
A TikTok ban isn’t a data security solution. It will be difficult to enforce – and could end up hurting users
Montana recently banned downloading the popular social media app TikTok within state lines, but some question if the law could be enforced and if it actually protects user's data.
Federal grants could boost whole-of-state cyber defense
The $1 billion State and Local Government Cybersecurity Grant Program requires states to collaborate more closely with their local governments, reinforcing the holistic approach favored in many state capitals.
Should governments ban TikTok? Can they?
A cybersecurity expert explains the risks the app poses and the challenges to blocking it.
State auditor seeks cyber readiness evaluation for agencies with DOD contracts
The Colorado Office of the State Auditor wants to be sure that agencies that receive funding from the Defense Department can meet DOD’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification requirements.
Enforcement questions dog state’s proposed TikTok ban
One expert derided legislation like Montana’s statewide ban on TikTok as “breathtakingly obtuse” and unenforceable from a technological point of view.
Lessons from ‘Star Trek: Picard’ – a cybersecurity expert explains how a sci-fi series illuminates today’s threats
Centrally administered systems offer cost savings and advanced capabilities, but could expose Earth-bound organizations to potential risks and vulnerabilities when used without proper precautions.
Why take the whole-of-state approach to ransomware protection and remediation
COMMENTARY | Using the best cybersecurity policies and data protection technology in a statewide framework allows local agencies to say no to any ransom demands, confident that their data is securely backed up and easily accessible.
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