How to Ensure Your Local Government Is Prepared for Different Kinds of Cyberattacks

It’s a typical day at the city hall. Everything is running smoothly when suddenly, the network collapses. Chaos ensues as employees scramble to access essential services. Emails stop working, public records go dark, and productivity plummets.

Does your municipality have a plan to get back on track after a breach? Local government ransomware attacks and breaches have become some of the most significant threats to governments worldwide, and no organization is immune.

Why Are Local Governments Prime Targets?

Local governments hold the ideal combination of valuable data, limited financial resources, and creaky, outdated systems, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals. But why exactly are these institutions so vulnerable?

Holding the Keys to the Kingdom

Local governments store vast amounts of sensitive information, including personal data, financial records, and confidential correspondence. Cybercriminals know that if they can breach these databases, they have access to a treasure trove of exploitable data. From birth certificates to property deeds, this data has immense value on the black market.

Low Budgets, High Stakes

Budget constraints are a common plight for local government IT departments. With limited funds to allocate to cybersecurity measures, many local governments are unable to invest in state-of-the-art technology or retain top-tier security personnel, leaving them wide open to attacks.

While the amount of cyberattacks against municipalities dropped steadily in 2024, the cost of a cyberattack has doubled, from $1.21 million in 2023 to $2.83 million in 2024. This is a bill that most local governments cannot afford.

The Burden of Legacy Systems

Many local governments still rely on legacy systems and technology that fail to meet the demands of modern cybersecurity. Outdated software often lacks the latest security patches, making it easier for hackers to penetrate systems and wreak havoc.

Cyberattacks Your Local Government Should Be Ready For

Let’s take a closer look at the cyberthreats local governments are particularly susceptible to.

The Rise of Ransomware

Among all the threats, local government ransomware attacks are the most menacing. The financial demand for decrypting critical data can range from thousands to millions of dollars. Cities throughout the US are being hit with ransomware attacks, causing whole branches of local government to shut down.

The Threat of Phishing

Phishing schemes remain a favorite among cybercriminals. By sending deceptive emails that appear to be from legitimate sources, hackers trick employees into revealing sensitive information such as login credentials or clicking on malicious links. Once inside the network, attackers can move laterally, accessing critical systems unchecked.

DDoS Deluge

Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks can disrupt government operations by flooding a website or service with malicious traffic, rendering it inaccessible. These attacks cause significant downtime, hindering the delivery of public services.

Inside Jobs

Sometimes the threat comes from within. Insider threats—whether malicious or accidental—pose significant risks to local governments. Employees with legitimate access to sensitive data or systems can inadvertently leak information or deliberately misuse their privileges.

How to Solve the Problem Without Breaking the Bank

We know you’re not suddenly going to get an influx of cash to prevent every local government ransomware attack or insider threat. So, how can your municipality strengthen your security culture and tools effectively?

Educate Your Workforce

One of the most cost-effective cybersecurity measures is training your employees. By educating your staff on phishing detection, password hygiene, and other security best practices, you can significantly reduce the chances of a successful attack.

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication requires users to provide additional credentials besides just a username and password. This adds an extra layer of security, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to gain access through stolen credentials.

Backup and Recovery Plans

Regularly backing up data and creating disaster recovery plans are essential in case of a cyberattack. Backups should be performed frequently, preferably daily, so that in the event of a ransomware attack or other data loss incident, you can quickly restore your systems to their previous state.

Partner with an MSP

Enlisting the expertise of a Managed Service Provider (MSP) can significantly enhance cybersecurity. MSPs offer tailored cybersecurity solutions and monitoring services, ensuring that your systems are constantly protected, patched, and updated. They provide scalable solutions that fit even the most limited budgets.

Conduct Regular Vulnerability Assessments

Regular vulnerability assessments help identify weaknesses in your systems before the bad guys do. By evaluating your infrastructure and applications’ security posture, you can proactively address vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation.

Implement Access Controls

Restrict access to sensitive data and critical systems to only those who require it for their jobs. Implementing role-based access controls and multi-factor authentication can prevent unauthorized access and minimize insider threats.

Arm Yourself Against Cybercrime with Common Angle

Local governments are no longer safe from the growing menace of cybercrime, but they don’t have to be sitting ducks. By understanding the vulnerabilities and taking proactive measures, they can fortify their defenses and protect valuable data from falling into the wrong hands.

If you’re a decision-maker at a local government, Common Angle can help you decide which tools and strategies will best protect your municipality from cyberattacks. With our expertise and experience working with government entities, we can help you find effective solutions within your budget constraints.

Learn more about our technology services for local governments and how they might help your city.